Personnel notes

3S International names new president

3S International, an electronics processing and recycling firm headquartered in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, has named John Van Fossen its new president and COO.

Van Fossen will oversee the management and day-to-day operations of 3S International. Additionally, he will be tasked with driving the company’s growth and expansion strategy, which involves opening additional facilities.

3S International presently has an electronics recycling facility in Tinley Park, Illinois, and is seeking to open a second location in the Midwest.

Van Fossen previously was the director of government affairs at the law firm Barnes and Thornburg, where he represented 3S International as a client and helped guide the organization through the startup process, the company says.

“From its inception, John has played a critical role in the evolution of 3S International, and his depth of experience, leadership and vision makes him an excellent fit for the role of president and COO,” says Sidney Smith, chairman of 3S International. “John’s knowledge of the regulatory environment, economic development planning and history of working in local government will be of tremendous value as we continue to grow our electronics recycling operation.”

Sims Metal Management names new CFO

Galdino Claro, CEO of Sims Metal Management, headquartered in New York City and in Sydney, has announced that the company has appointed Fred Knechtel to the post of group chief financial officer (CFO). He will assume this role in November 2014, prior to Sims’ annual group meeting. In the meantime, Amit Patel, the company’s chief accounting officer, will serve as interim group CFO.

“Fred is a well-rounded financial executive with broad experience across a number of industries,” Claro says. “His proven leadership ability, coupled with his strong strategic and analytical skills, will greatly assist Sims Metal Management as it executes its recently announced five-year strategic plan.”

Knechtel has more than 30 years of financial and business management experience, including numerous senior-level roles with international public companies in the manufacturing, industrial products and chemicals industries. Most recently He served as CFO of auto parts company Remy International.

“I am delighted to be joining Galdino’s management team, and I look forward to helping Sims Metal Management recapture its leading position in the metals recycling industry,” Knechtel says.

ARCA founder retires

Appliance Recycling Centers of America (ARCA), headquartered in Minneapolis, has announced that its founder, Edward R. (Jack) Cameron, has retired as president and CEO, though he remains on the company’s board of directors.

Replacing Cameron as president and CEO is Mark Eisenschenk.

Under Cameron’s tenure, the company has grown its annual revenue to more than $130 million. Cameron also helped develop national regulations and standards for the proper management of ozone-depleting refrigerants and has contributed to the development of carbon offset policy in California.

“After more than 35 years as the head of ARCA, I believe this is the right time to turn ARCA’s leadership over to the next generation,” Cameron says.

“Since joining ARCA, Mark (Eisenschenk) immersed himself in all aspects of ARCA’s operations to prepare for his new role as president and CEO. Mark’s knowledge of ARCA’s business segments, combined with his previously gained experience and skills, give me confidence that ARCA will prosper under his direction,” he adds.

Eisenschenk has served as COO and president of ARCA Recycling since July 2013.

“I am excited about leading ARCA’s growth in the coming years,” Eisnenschenk says. “I appreciate all Jack has taught me about the business this past year, and I respect Jack for his many accomplishments as a pioneer in the appliance recycling industry. ARCA has a diverse but interrelated business structure, an enthusiastic team of passionate and competent associates and a wealth of opportunities.”