The Pohlad Companies, a privately held portfolio of businesses and investments spanning a variety of industries, has announced that effective February 4, 2019, Tom Pohlad, president and COO of Carousel Motor Group (CMG), will become CEO of PaR Systems LLC, a provider of automation, robotics and specialized material handling solutions.”
The Pohlad Companies acquired PaR Systems in October 2017 from MML Capital Partners. Tom succeeds Mark Wrightsman who has served as CEO of PaR Systems since 1999, successfully guiding the company’s growth and performance for 20 years. Tom joins a highly capable PaR executive team. Mark will remain on the board of PaR Systems and serve as an advisor to Tom and the company.
“We would like to thank Mark for his years of outstanding service and leadership of PaR Systems,” said Bert Colianni, CEO, Pohlad Companies.
With Tom’s departure from Carousel Motor Group, Chase Hawkins, vice president Porsche brand, will become president and COO, broadening his strategic, financial and functional responsibilities for the business, while maintaining his role at Porsche. General managers of CMG’s Audi Minneapolis and St. Paul, BMW of Minnetonka, Coon Rapids Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram and North Branch Chevrolet dealerships will continue to lead their respective businesses and will report to Chase.
“We are excited by these leadership changes which will capitalize on the energy and creativity among the smart, talented and passionate teams at both operating companies,” said Colianni. “We are confident that, under Tom’s direction, PaR will build on its strong market position, continuing to advance its breakthrough work in automation, robotics and specialty material handling, and equally certain that Carousel Motor Group will continue to thrive and maintain its superior brand stewardship and exceptional customer experience under Chase’s leadership.”
Tom has served as president and COO of Carousel Motor Group since 2016. Previously, he served in a variety of roles within CMG, including General Manager Porsche of Minneapolis and Audi Minneapolis. Prior to joining Carousel Motor Group in 2010, Tom held roles in Pohlad Companies ranging from Commercial Real Estate to Major League Baseball to Pepsi Bottling. Tom joined the Pohlad family business after graduating from Boston College in 2002.
Chase has built considerable industry knowledge during his nearly three decades of experience in automotive sales, service, marketing, product planning and pricing roles, including Group General Manager of Motor Werks Auto Group and U.S. and international assignments with General Motors, in addition to his three years at CMG. Chase received his Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Natal, Durban in his native South Africa. He has lived or worked in countries on five continents.
