Two top leadership changes are in place at Arnold Magnetic Technologies Corporation, a leading global manufacturer of high-performance electric motors, magnets and thin metals. Matthew Blake has been named Chief Executive Officer and a member of the board of directors, and Brian Prodin has become Chief Operating Officer. Blake’s appointment was announced by Compass Diversified Holdings, the owner of Arnold Magnetics which is among its portfolio of middle market branded consumer and industrial businesses.
Most recently, Blake was the Chief Operations Officer at DwyerOmega, a manufacturer and global provider of precision measurement solutions. Prior to DwyerOmega, he held various leadership roles at Alpha Packaging, Cleaver-Brooks, and ESAB Welding & Cutting Products. He holds a Master of Science in Engineering and Global Operations Management from Clarkson University, as well as an MBA from Webster University. He succeeds Dan Miller after a nine-year tenure as CEO of Arnold and the conclusion of a planned transition period that ended April 30.
“On behalf of Compass and Arnold, I want to extend our sincere gratitude to Dan for his dedication and service in building Arnold into the industry leader it is today,” said Elias Sabo, CEO of Compass. “Under his leadership, Arnold has strengthened its position as a leading solutions provider, successfully navigated the COVID-19 pandemic and oversaw the company’s recent plant relocation. We wish him all the best. I also want to welcome Matt to both Arnold and Compass Diversified. With leadership experience spanning multiple facets of industrial manufacturing, I believe he is the ideal choice to lead Arnold in its next phase of growth.”
Ryan Thorp, Chairman of Arnold’s Board of Directors added: “We are extremely grateful for Dan’s stewardship of Arnold in continuing to grow and diversify the business and position it for continued success. I’d also like to welcome Matt to Arnold. Matt possesses a wealth of industrial experience and I am sure he will build on Arnold’s impressive performance.”
Dan Miller added: “It has been an honor to lead Arnold and work alongside such a talented and committed team. I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together and wish the company continued success under Matt’s leadership.” Among Miller’s accomplishments at Arnold, he has been credited with spearheading the launch of the world’s strongest Samarium Cobalt magnet grade, RECOMA 35E.
“I am excited at the privilege of leading the exceptional team at Arnold and building upon its strong foundation,” said Blake, as incoming CEO. “I look forward to driving continued success and creating value for our customers and shareholders.”
Prodin, a Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) with more than 35 years of manufacturing industry experience, assumed the role of Chief Operations Officer in August. He succeeds Larry Cozart, who is retiring after nine years with Arnold.
Prodin began his career at Ford Motor Company in manufacturing and applications engineering, followed by progressive leadership roles in program management and business development with automotive component suppliers. He later joined Plastic Omnium Clean Energy Systems as Director for North American Sales & Program Management, subsequently being appointed to leadership roles to oversee Purchasing and Supply Chain functions across Europe and the Americas. Most recently, he served as Vice President, Global Supply Chain and Manufacturing Operations, for the Motorized Manufacturing Group of Brand Safway. Brian earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Michigan Technological University and a Master of Science in Engineering Management from Wayne State University.
“Brian’s leadership marks an exciting new chapter for Arnold,” said Blake. “His vision and deep commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and customer success will ensure we not only build on Arnold’s 130-year legacy, but also accelerate growth and strengthen the trusted partnerships that define our future.”
About Arnold Magnetic Technologies
Based in Rochester, New York, operates from multiple sites globally. It serves a variety of markets including aerospace and defense, general industrial, motorsport/automotive, oil and gas, medical, energy, reprographics and advertising specialties. Among its products, it produces high performance permanent magnets, turnkey electric motors (“Ramco”), precision foil products (Precision Thin Metals), and flexible magnets (Flexmag™) that are mission critical in motors, generators, sensors and other systems and components. See www.arnoldmagnetics.com.
