Change at the top at Tecumseh

USA: Harold Karp has stepped down as president and CEO of compressor manufacturer Tecumseh, a position he has held since September 2014.

He is succeeded by Doug Murdock, president of the Climate Products Group at copper tube and fittings manufacturer Mueller Industries.

Tecumseh was acquired by Mueller Industries and US investment company Atlas Holdings last year in a deal said to be worth $123m.

Doug Murdock has been with Mueller Industries since June 2000, rising through a number of management roles including spells as VP and general manager of Mueller Refrigeration and presidents of both its Engineered Products and Fabricated Products divisions. He had been president of the Climate Group since January. He previously worked at Carrier and GE.

Tim Fazio, co-founder and managing partner of Atlas Holdings, said “We are extremely fortunate that Doug Murdock has agreed to serve as Tecumseh’s next president and CEO. Doug has all the attributes we need at this critical time.  He is a proven strategic leader, and brings a wealth of experience leading manufacturing and engineering organisations in the refrigeration and climate control industries.”

“Doug’s industry knowledge and his in depth understanding of the refrigeration customers and products make him an excellent fit to lead Tecumseh,” said Greg Christopher, CEO of Mueller Industries. 

Fazio thanked Karp for his work at Tecumseh, saying, “Harold Karp advanced several operational improvements during his tenure and honoured the great tradition of the business with his approach.”