Benjamin Brock has resigned as president, CEO and as a member of the board of directors at
Astec's businesses include crushing and screening equipment for aggregates, and the US company also operates in the infrastructure, mining and energy sectors.
The Astec board has appointed Richard Dorris as interim CEO until a permanent successor is named. In addition, the board has appointed William Gehl, a current member of Astec’s board, as chairman of the board, effective immediately.
Brock said: “It has been a privilege to work alongside Astec’s dedicated employees over the past 26 years and to lead the company as CEO for the past five years. Since Astec was founded in 1972, the company has consistently delivered unparalleled products and service to our customers and become a leader in global construction equipment manufacturing. I am proud to have been a part of that legacy. After 26 years of service, I am confident that now is the time to pursue new personal and professional interests. I look forward to watching Astec’s continued growth and success in the future.”
The Astec board has started a search process to identify a permanent CEO and will be working with an executive search firm to assist in its efforts.
Gehl said, “We are fortunate to have a leader with Rick’s experience to step into the CEO role on an interim basis while the Board conducts a robust search for the Company’s next CEO. Rick has a deep understanding of Astec’s business and operations as well as the construction industry, which make him an excellent choice to lead Astec through this transition period.”
He added: “On behalf of the board, I thank Ben for his many contributions to the company over the years and wish him success in the future.”
Richard Dorris has served as Astec’s chief operating officer and executive VP since January 2014. He previously served as the group VP and president of the company’s energy group from August 2012 to December 2013 and as president of Heatec from 2004 to January 2014. From 1999 to 2004, he held the positions of national accounts manager, project manager and director of projects for Astec. Prior to joining Astec, he was president of Esstee Manufacturing Company from 1990 to 1999 and was sales engineer from 1984 to 1990.
