Outgoing CEO Kathleen Saylor transitioning to position at Montana State University.

Christian Fabian


REHAUhas namedChristian Fabianas its new CEO of North American operations, replacingDr. Kathleen “Kitty” Saylorafter 18 years with the company. She will be stepping down from her position as of July 1, 2012.  

Saylor, who has served as REHAU North American CEO since 2006, and was the company’s VP of human resources from 2001 to 2006, has accepted a position in Bozeman, Mont., as the chief executive in residence of the Montana State University Alumni Foundation. In this capacity, she will serve as a principal advisor to the University president, Alumni Foundation president and Innovation Campus executive director in establishing programs to ultimately advance the academic and research efforts of the University. Saylor is herself a Montana native and 1982 graduate of Montana State University.  

“This transition marks a significant period in REHAU history, as we advance from a time when the challenges of our economy prompted necessary shifts in our core areas of business,” said Saylor. “With a background in communications, organizational development and human resources, I was able to apply the skills required for this type of change, and I’m proud to have been able to steer REHAU into this new era of lean and limber operation, with a focus on providing premium polymer-based solutions.”   

REHAU North America’s current VP of marketing and sales,Christian Fabian, has been appointed to the position of incoming CEO, effective as of July 1, 2012.  Fabian brings more than 20 years of experience working within REHAU operations around the world, including in Germany, France and England. 

Dr. Kathleen “Kitty” Saylor

In 2005, he became director of REHAU North America’s industry business division in Leesburg, Va., overseeing sales and marketing initiatives for products serving furniture, appliance and other industry segments. Fabian was appointed to his current position as VP of marketing and sales in 2006, and in 2007 was promoted to the REHAU North American regional executive board (REB). In September of 2011, Fabian’s executive management oversight was extended into REHAU’s construction business division, when he became responsible for its sales and marketing.   

“Christian was the perfect choice as REHAU’s next CEO, and as such, the handover process is progressing smoothly and easily,” Saylor said. “The company’s focus has shifted toward growth and strategic business development, and Christian lends an astute and varied background in international business and sales management. He will undoubtedly be successful in moving REHAU forward, having spent the last seven years in North America analyzing market opportunities in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Central America, and understanding how best to approach them from across all of REHAU’s product lines.” 

According to Fabian, in addition to honing a cross-selling business strategy, his initial focus as CEO will be to shepherd planned investment by REHAU North America in both its construction and industry business divisions.  

In addition to Fabian’s appointment as CEO, REHAU North America’s management team now includesTerry Barnaby, who became VP of operations and a member of the regional executive board (REB) as of April 1, 2012. Barnaby brings 27 years of REHAU experience, having served in various positions including plant manager at REHAU’s manufacturing facilities in Sturgis, Mich. and Baie d’Urfé, Quebec and, most recently, as director of operations and technology for REHAU North America.  In his new role, Barnaby will oversee all North American operations, facilities, purchasing and supply chain management.  


Source: REHAU

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