NASHVILLE, Tenn.—Newly renamed Carlstar Group L.L.C. has hired John Salvatore, a retired executive with BASF Construction Chemicals, as CEO. He succeeds Kevin Forster, who will remain on the board of directors and continue as a senior adviser to Carlstar's owner, American Industrial Partners.
Carlstar is the new name for CTP Transportation Products L.L.C., producer of Carlisle-brand industrial belts, wheels and specialty tires for agriculture, construction, industry, outdoor power equipment, powersports, towables and trailers.
Forster was named president of Carlisle Companies Inc.'s Transportation Products business in mid-2011 and continued to lead the business after AIP acquired it from Carlisle in 2013.
“(Forster) has led the company through significant changes and improvements, including the acquisition by American Industrial Partners and the rebranding of our company,” a company spokeswoman said via email. “Kevin will continue to be involved and will remain on the board of directors.”
The spokeswoman added that Forster's role as senior adviser includes the strategic initiatives of other AIP owned companies.
Salvatore brings 33 years of executive experience in the industrial sector as well as some familiarity with Carlstar, having been on the board of directors since mid-2014.
Salvatore retired two years ago as head of BASF Construction Chemicals Americas, where he was responsible for a business approaching $1 billion in annual sales. He also has experience with Evonik Degussa Corp. and Harris Specialty Chemicals, among others, Carlstar said.
“John is committed to stimulating growth to position the Carlstar Group for the future,” the spokeswoman said.