Astec names new president, CEO

By |  January 9, 2023

Astec logo

Barry Ruffalo stepped down as president and CEO of Astec Industries. The company appointed Jaco van der Merwe to take his place.

van der Merwe, who joined Astec in 2016 as a group president, currently serves as group president of infrastructure solutions – a role he assumed in 2019.

“We are fortunate to have someone with Jaco’s experience and skill to assume the role of CEO,” says William Gehl, chairman of the board at Astec. “He is a proven leader and has a thorough understanding of our business.”

Prior to joining Astec, van der Merwe had leadership positions with P&L responsibilities within the construction equipment industry.

“His knowledge of our materials solutions and infrastructure solutions markets and products makes Jaco uniquely suited to lead Astec to the next level of our simplify, focus and grow journey,” Gehl says.

van der Merwe spent 18 years with Atlas Copco before joining Astec. He was ultimately elevated to president of Atlas Copco Mining & Rock Excavation in Johannesburg, South Africa.

“It is an honor to be the CEO of Astec and I look forward to our journey together,” van der Merwe says. “The hardworking people of Astec are the key to our success. Our company has a 50-year history of designing, engineering, manufacturing and servicing the most innovative, efficient and dependable equipment solutions within the rock-to-road segment of the construction industry. By working together with a dedicated focus on execution, we will create value for our shareholders, customers and employees.”

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Kevin Yanik

About the Author:

Kevin Yanik is editor-in-chief of Pit & Quarry. He can be reached at 216-706-3724 or kyanik@northcoastmedia.net.

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