BRIARCLIFF MANOR, N.Y.–Cutlery manufacturer Wüsthof-Trident of America has restructured its management. Scott Severinson, formerly the company’s president, has been appointed chief executive officer, a newly formed position. René Stutz, who joined Wüsthof six months ago as chief administrative officer, is now president.
Severinson joined Wüsthof in 1980 as territory sales manager, was appointed vice president of sales in 1991 and appointed president in 2004.
Prior to joining Wüsthof, Stutz was CEO for five years at Spring Switzerland GmbH, a division of Waterford Wedgwood Group.
“Our new management organization provides us with the appropriate structure and systems to progress in gaining market share and building our world-class brand in the United States,” Severinson said in a statement. “We have a top-notch management team that is now strengthened so that our company continues to excel and grow.”
Under the new management structure, Stutz, who continues to report to Severinson, will oversee sales, finance and operations, as well as continue to lead administration, marketing, Internet technology and human resources departments. The company’s three vice presidents—Todd Myers, sales; René Arnold, finance; and Dan Dillan, operations—will report directly to Stutz.
The company also announced that it has launched an exclusive contest for independent retailers with 10 prizes that feature a VIP trip to Munich, Germany, to attend Oktoberfest 2009, along with a tour of global headquarters and manufacturing facilities in Solingen, Germany.