OVERIJSE, July 17, 2020 – CDM Stravitec’s Board of Directors announces the appointment of Laurence Carels as Chief Executive Officer as from July 17, 2020. Laurence Carels, who joined CDM Stravitec thirteen years ago, succeeds Patrick Carels who has led the company successfully for the past 34 years.
Being a family business, CDM Stravitec has always been a big part of Laurence Carels’ life. From an early age she helped out with the administration and logistics, and in 2007 she joined the accounting department after obtaining her Master’s degree in Applied Economics at the University of Leuven. In 2010 Laurence Carels moved to the United States to set up a new subsidiary while at the same time working for a local accounting firm, active in helping European companies to set up their business abroad. Early 2017, Laurence Carels moved back to Belgium to take up the position of Chief Financial Officer (CFO), leading financial operations, risk management and regional finance teams. Laurence Carels brings with her both an extensive background in corporate finance and a deep appreciation for CDM Stravitec and its unique mission to make this world a quieter place through the design and manufacturing of innovative noise and vibration isolation solutions.
On being appointed Laurence Carels stated: “I’m excited to have been offered the opportunity to lead CDM Group at such an important time in its development. CDM Stravitec has a great global culture, amazing market capability and a strategy that has seen us grow solidly in recent years; I look forward to building on this success and I’m eager to take on this new challenge, assisted by a passionate team of collaborators and take CDM Stravitec to the next level, respecting the values, vision and mission that have brought this company where it stands today.”
Patrick Carels, who will take on a new role within CDM Stravitec as Chairman of the Board of Directors, considers the appointment of Laurence Carels a logical choice, as she has years of relevant experience and has been prepared to take on this task. She knows the company, the market, and its customers. “We are fortunate to have someone of Laurence Carels’ caliber and experience step up to lead CDM Stravitec,” said Patrick Carels. “We are at a critical moment and we need renewed leadership to successfully implement our strategy, take advantage of the market opportunities ahead and lead CDM Stravitec in its next phase of growth.”
