Industry & Services >> CEO Interviews >> December 19, 2011
Albert J. Neupaver joined Wabtec Corporation on Feb. 1, 2006, as President and Chief Executive Officer, and a member of the company's board of directors. Under Mr. Neupaver's leadership, Wabtec's revenues have nearly doubled, through a combination of internal initiatives and acquisitions. The company has expanded its presence in China and other international markets, and built on its technology leadership in North America through new products, such as positive train control. Also during this time, the company increased its investment in quality and customer service, engineering and new product development, and lean manufacturing. Prior to joining Wabtec, Mr. Neupaver spent nine years as president of the electromechanical group of AMETEK, Inc. During his tenure, the electromechanical group increased its operating profit by almost 60%, more than twice the rate of its sales growth. Mr. Neupaver joined AMETEK in 1988 as Vice President and General Manager of its specialty metals products division. In 1993 he was promoted to President of the company's industrial materials group and became a member of the executive office. Prior to joining AMETEK, Mr. Neupaver spent 11 years with Pfizer, Inc., in several engineering, operating and business management positions. A native of Belle Vernon, Pa., he earned a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1972, and he served as an Officer on nuclear submarines from 1972 to 1977. Although he left active duty to join Pfizer, Mr. Neupaver served in the U.S. Navy Reserve for the next 25 years and retired as a Captain in 2002. While he was with Pfizer, Mr. Neupaver earned a master's degree in materials science and metallurgical engineering (1980) and an MBA (1982), both from the University of Pittsburgh. His current business and professional affiliations include Wabtec Corporation - board of directors; Robbins & Myers, Inc. - board of directors; Koppers - board of directors; Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh - board Trustee; Carnegie Science Center - board of directors. Profile
TWST: Please give us a brief history and overview of Wabtec.
Mr. Neupaver: The company's history dates back to 1869 when George Westinghouse invented air brakes for the rail industry. That was a
