Changing of the Guard at Lectra Week In Review
Technology provider Lectra has replaced David Siegelman, longtime president of its North American operation, with Daniel Moreau, executive vice president of the Lectra Group. Moreau will be based in Lectra’s Paris headquarters and will maintain the duties associated with his current post at the Lectra Group, which encompasses the company’s worldwide holdings.
Siegelman said his departure was based on “a difference in philosophies over the future direction of Lectra,” but he would not elaborate. “I wish them well,” he said.
Lectra is a global leader in providing CAD/CAM software and equipment to the apparel and textile industries, which make up nearly 60 percent of the company’s business. Aerospace, automotive, furniture, luggage and footwear companies also use the company’s products. The company’s North American headquarters are in Marietta, Ga.
In a company statement, Lectra Chief Executive Daniel Harari said: “We are grateful to David for his long, productive service with Lectra. Through his 21 years with Lectra, David grew and successfully led our U.S. subsidiary from start-up to a leading operation, with revenues now close to the U.S. revenues of our main U.S.–based competitor [Gerber Technology Inc.], compared to 10 percent in 1990.”
Moreau has been the executive vice president of the Lectra Group since May 2002. He joined the company in 1988 as manager of the Belgian subsidiary. He also served as the director of northern Europe and senior vice president of research and development and manufacturing. He was promoted to chief operating officer in 1997.
“Daniel Moreau’s nomination illustrates Lectra’s ever stronger commitment to North America, with a clear goal hellip; to be number one in the U.S. before the end of 2004,” Harari added.
Moreau said his goal is to become more aggressive with large U.S. corporate accounts and help the company reach its goal of doubling its revenues over the next five years.
Siegelman left Lectra in better shape than the company had been in for a few years. North American revenues accounted for 25 percent of total revenues, which totaled $200 million for the 12-month period that ended June 30. The company is also the market leader in Europe and has been gaining steam in Asia, especially in China, where the company’s revenues totaled $15.2 million in 2002.
Siegelman will also leave his post as president of Sewn Products Equipment Suppliers of the Americas, which puts on North America’s largest apparel equipment and technology show in Miami. SPESA Executive Vice President Benton Gardner said a new president, whom the organization will name in the coming weeks, will replace Siegelman. She added that Siegelman will have the opportunity to remain on the SPESA board of directors. —Robert McAllister
