BROKEN ARROW, Okla.—RL Hudson & Co. has named Richard Von Drehle as its new president, replacing the company's founder, Rick Hudson, in the post.
Rick Hudson will assume the duties of chairman and CEO. “I have been wanting to step back for some time,” he said in a statement, “and now I think I can do it knowing that the business is in capable hands.”
Von Drehle has been serving as an executive consultant at the company for the last several months. He's held top executive positions at several global manufacturing companies during the last 25 years.
Prior to joining the custom designer and supplier of a wide range of rubber and plastic components for large manufacturing companies, Von Drehle was CEO of Clear Edge Filtration, a Tulsa, Okla.-based manufacturer of industrial filtration products.
“Rick Hudson and his team have built something very special here,” he said, “and I feel honored that the Hudson family has put their confidence in me.” He said he looks forward to being a part of a “very bright future” for RL Hudson.
Executive Vice President Jason Hudson said he is excited about the company's future under Von Drehle's leadership.
“We have been extremely successful for the past 35 years,” he said, “but we aren't satisfied; we want to keep growing and improving.” He said he believes Von Drehle has the management expertise and strategic vision to take RL Hudson to the next level.