Corning Inc. (NYSE:GLW) announced plans yesterday to reorganize the company around five “Market-Access Platforms” (MAPs). The fiber, cable, and glass manufacturer also named Eric S. Musser, a 34-year Corning veteran, president and chief operating officer (COO). The COO role is new to the company.
Mobile Consumer Electronics, Optical Communications, Automotive, Life Sciences, and Display will form the five MAPs. The company expects to be able to “reapply and reuse” assets and capabilities among the five as well as unlock additional synergies. “By organizing around the MAPs, we’re positioning Corning to capture more customer insights, further leverage our distribution channels, and open up new opportunities for innovation with industry leaders,” explained Wendell P. Weeks, Corning chairman and CEO. “The new structure allows us to drive growth by activating the full power of our cohesive portfolio.”
The heads of each MAP will report to Musser. They include:
- John P. Bayne Jr., senior vice president and general manager, Mobile Consumer Electronics
- Michael A. Bell, senior vice president and general manager, Optical Communications
- Avery (Hal) Nelson III, senior vice president and general manager, Automotive
- Ronald L. Verkleeren, senior vice president and general manager, Life Sciences
- John Z. Zhang, senior vice president and general manager, Display
Bell will step into a role similar to that currently occupied by Clark S. Kinlin, executive vice president, Optical Communications. Kinlin will follow through later this year on his previously announced plans to retire upon completion of the transition to the new corporate structure.
Musser, whose new roles have already taken effect, most recently was executive vice president, Corning Technologies & International. He will report directly to Weeks. “I’m pleased that Eric Musser is assuming this important new role. He’s a transformative leader with a strong track record of execution across the company, and his expertise and industry knowledge will enhance our performance,” Weeks continued. “Eric’s demonstrated ability to consistently execute and hit targets will benefit our five MAPs.”
Others reporting to Weeks in the new structure include:
- James P. Clappin, vice chairman and strategic advisor
- Martin J. Curran, executive vice president and innovation officer
- Dr. Jeffrey W. Evenson, executive vice president and chief strategy officer
- Robert P. France, senior vice president, human resources
- Lawrence D. McRae, vice chairman and corporate development officer
- Dr. David L. Morse, executive vice president and chief technology officer
- Anne E. Mullins, senior vice president and chief digital and information officer
- Lewis A. Steverson, executive vice president and chief legal and administrative officer
- R. Tony Tripeny, executive vice president and chief financial officer.
Corning says there will be no changes to the company’s financial reporting segments under the new operating structure.
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