By David Gill
SAN FRANCISCO–With this week’s New York Home Textiles Market as a backdrop, American Pacific Enterprises has appointed two veteran executives to act as co-chief executive officers.
The top-of-the-bed products manufacturer has named Kaela Forker and Jeremy Ozorio to serve as its co-CEOs. Forker, whose most recent post was executive vice president of sales, oversees American Pacific’s design, merchandising and sales functions. An American Pacific executive since 1992, she has also served as its chief merchandising officer.
Ozorio, a six-year veteran of American Pacific who was senior vice president of the company’s Asia operations and is based in Hong Kong, is in charge of global sourcing, development and operations in Asia. He has also added responsibility over American Pacific’s domestic operations.
Both executives report to the company’s board of directors, according to a company statement. Forker and Ozorio will also share responsibility over American Pacific’s human-resources, finance and corporate-strategy functions. As of yet, the two CEOs’ prior positions have not yet been filled.
Explaining the elevations of both Forker and Ozorio, the company’s statement also said, “We believe there is an opportunity to build upon the synergies between the U.S. and Asia divisions that will yield positive results for ourselves and our partners. These promotions bring together two highly experienced professionals, each with specific areas of expertise and a great respect for each other.”
The CEO position had been vacant at American Pacific since Jack Salisbury retired from the company in June. A former executive with Vanity Fair, Sara Lee and Fruit of the Loom, Salisbury joined American Pacific as CEO in April 2005.
“I feel like I’ve grown up with American Pacific,” Forker said. “It’s like family to me, and I’m so happy to be given the opportunity to help lead this incredible team of people.”
“We are a creative, dynamic company with exceptional global teams,” Ozorio said. “I am excited at the opportunity to build on those strengths.”