CeramTec AG's executive board of directors has announced the appointment of a new president and chief executive officer for its North American operations. Walt Dollman, a former executive vice president for CeramTec's North American operations, has accepted the appointment and has begun efforts immediately to "enhance the company's operations and further expand its profitable growth opportunities." Dollman, with over 20 years of experience, is well known in the technical ceramic industry. For over 17 years, he has held various management positions at CeramTec and has also held management positions at other technical ceramic companies, including Kyocera, Ceradyne and Dover's Dielectric Laboratories unit. "One of my major goals as president is to ensure that CeramTec North America becomes an integral part of the North American technical ceramic market and a stronger and growing part of the CeramTec group," Dollman said. "Significant restructuring and strengthening efforts have been initiated to support this in North America. Now, with insightful planning, proper execution and a solid commitment, we can build on this spirit of progress through change that will lead to enhanced growth, profitability and leadership."

The company's website is located at http://www.ceramtec.com .