Carlstar hires Jacob Thomas as CEO to succeed John Salvatore

FRANKLIN, Tenn. — Carlstar Group L.L.C. has hired Jacob Thomas as CEO and board member, effective May 8, succeeding John Salvatore, who will retire at the end of May after serving as CEO since 2015.

Mr. Thomas comes to Carlstar from Clarcor Air Filtration Products, where he was group president of Clarcor's engine mobile filtration business and vice president, engine mobile and hydraulic filtration platform. Clarcor was acquired by Parker Hannifin Corp. in February 2017.

"We want to sincerely thank John Salvatore for his leadership over the past four years as a member of the board and past three years as CEO of the Carlstar Group," said Dino Cusumano, senior managing partner of American Industrial Partners (AIP) — Carlstar's majority shareholder.

Mr. Cusumano called Mr. Thomas a "highly talented and proven leader," noting that he was the ideal candidate to lead the Carlstar organization.

"In the near term, Jacob's focus will be to continue Carlstar's positive momentum and further accelerate the company's strategic business improvement and growth initiatives," Mr. Cusumano said.

Mr. Cusamano also lauded Mr. Salvatore's contribution, saying Carlstar has "continued to deliver improved results" under his leadership and "is well positioned for sustainable growth."

Mr. Salvatore — who joined Carlstar in 2015 as the successor to Kevin Forster — will remain on the Carlstar board of directors and continue as a senior adviser to AIP.

Prior to working with Clarcor, Mr. Thomas was president of IDEX Corp.'s Diaphragm & Dosing Pumps Group, where he managed a portfolio of businesses, including Warren Rupp. Other previous employers include Terex Corp.; Navistar International Corp; Case Corp.; and Ford Motor Co.

Carlstar manufactures OE and aftermarket specialty tires and wheels for the agriculture, construction, outdoor power equipment, powersports, high speed trailer and flat free/manual markets, under the Carlisle, ITP, Cragar, Black Rock, Unique, Marastar and Marathon brands.