Great Dane Trailers announced Friday that Jim Pines, Executive Vice President of Sales and Operations will step down from his role at the end of 2011 in order to devote his full attention to personal and family business concerns. Pines’ announcement comes in the wake of the tragic accident in September that took the life of his father, the founder of Pines Trailers and long-time COO of Great Dane, Phill Pines.
Pines’ responsibilities will be taken on by other members of the Great Dane Executive team. Dean Engelage, Executive VP Strategic Planning, will assume responsibility for the Sales organization, and Rick Mullininx, Executive VP Engineering, will oversee the Warranty and Quality departments. In addition, Sam Gupta has been promoted to Executive VP Manufacturing and will report directly to Bill Crown.