Great Dane Trailers President and Chief Operating Officer Phill Pines today announced his intentions to retire from the company at the end of 2010, after more than 50 years in the trailer industry. The company's Chief Executive Officer, William H. Crown, will take on the additional roles of President and COO at the end of the year.
"Great Dane is rich in history and is well known for its legacy of quality and innovation,” Pines said. “I believe that Great Dane has the ability and the will to grow and better serve our customers and our people, while continuing to remain profitable. We have the right leadership team in place to continue our success. I believe this is the appropriate time to announce my retirement."
Pines led his family-owned business, Pines Trailer Corporation, for 25 years before forming a Partnership with the Crown Family in 1988. In January 1997, the Partnership acquired Great Dane Trailers, and he assumed his current role as President and COO of Great Dane Limited Partnership.
"On behalf of all Board members it has been a distinct pleasure to work with Phill over the years," said Bill Crown, President and CEO of CC Industries and CEO of Great Dane Limited Partnership. "His focus, drive, and wisdom have been instrumental in creating the success the company has enjoyed and, without exception, we hold him in the highest regard. We wish him all the best in retirement.
Pines began his career in the trailer industry in 1958 working alongside his father, Leo Pines, at their Monon Trailer dealership. There, he and his father began refurbishing used trailers and soon after started their own trailer company, Pines Trailer Corporation in 1965.
"I am committed to the company and its continued success, and will remain involved as a member of the Board of Advisors," said Pines. "Over the last 13 years I have worked closely with Bill Crown on numerous strategic and operational issues and am confident the company will continue to grow and prosper under his leadership. I am also extremely grateful to the Crown Family for all the support they provided in making Great Dane LP a world class organization.
Bill Crown is the son of John Crown and the grandson of Henry Crown, the founder of Henry Crown and Company. After a career with American Airlines, he joined the family business in September of 1993 in an executive marketing capacity. In October of 1994, Bill was promoted to the position of President and CEO of CC Industries, a position he continues to hold. Bill played a key role in the acquisition of Great Dane on January 1, 1997.