Wabtec Appoints Nicole Theophilus Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer
Wabtec Corporation (NYSE: WAB) has appointed Nicole Theophilus as Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, effective immediately. She takes over from Scott Wahlstrom, who is retiring after nearly 30 years. Theophilus brings over 20 years of HR and legal experience, previously serving at ConAgra and West Corporation. Her focus will be on talent management and organizational culture, crucial for aligning with Wabtec's growth strategy. CEO Rafael Santana expressed confidence in her abilities to enhance employee advocacy and drive sustainable transportation solutions.
- Nicole Theophilus' extensive HR experience is expected to strengthen Wabtec's talent management and culture.
- The leadership transition may provide fresh perspectives and drive further growth.
- The retirement of Scott Wahlstrom raises concerns regarding continuity and potential experience gaps in leadership.
PITTSBURGH--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Wabtec Corporation (NYSE: WAB) today announced the appointment of Nicole Theophilus to Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer effective immediately. Theophilus will be responsible for leading Wabtec’s global HR organization, including talent management, leadership development and learning, and compensation and benefits. Theophilus succeeds Scott Wahlstrom who will be retiring from Wabtec after nearly 30 years of dedicated service.
Rafael Santana, President and CEO of Wabtec, said, “I would like to thank Scott for his vast contributions to Wabtec. He has helped guide this company through extensive growth and transformation, including leading us through several transformational mergers, expanding our international capabilities, and building an engaged and high-performing culture.”
“Niki’s robust experience in coaching, organizational, and talent management will help catapult Wabtec to the next level, fueling continued growth,” added Santana. “She will be a vigorous employee advocate and critical to helping us align talent, culture, and diversity to the company’s immediate- and long-term business needs.”
Theophilus has more than 20 years of experience comprising leadership roles in both human resources and legal departments. She has served as Chief Human Resource Officer at ConAgra and West Corporation. While at ConAgra, she focused on the consolidation of multiple independently operating business units by partnering across the organization to overhaul the strategy and culture of the company. At West, she was instrumental in driving a large-scale, complex cultural transformation, while simultaneously growing talent across the human resources function.
“It is an honor to join Wabtec at such a pivotal time in the company’s history,” said Theophilus. “Wabtec has experienced tremendous growth in recent years, and I look forward to helping promote and develop a culture focused on creating sustainable transportation solutions that move and improve the world.”
“It is a tremendous privilege to have been with the company for so long and I am incredibly grateful to have played a small part in Wabtec’s overall success,” said Wahlstrom. “I’m confident the company is well positioned for the future.”
Theophilus earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and her Master of Business Administration from Drake University. She also earned her Juris Doctorate from the University of Nebraska.
About Wabtec
Wabtec Corporation is a leading global provider of equipment, systems, digital solutions and value-added services for freight and transit rail. Drawing on nearly four centuries of collective experience across Wabtec, GE Transportation and Faiveley Transport, the company has unmatched digital expertise, technological innovation, and world-class manufacturing and services, enabling the digital-rail-and-transit ecosystems. Wabtec is focused on performance that drives progress, creating transportation solutions that move and improve the world. The freight portfolio features a comprehensive line of locomotives, software applications and a broad selection of mission-critical controls systems, including Positive Train Control (PTC). The transit portfolio provides highly engineered systems and services to virtually every major rail transit system around the world, supplying an integrated series of components for buses and all train-related market segments that deliver safety, efficiency and passenger comfort. Along with its industry-leading portfolio of products and solutions for the rail and transit industries, Wabtec is a leader in mining, marine and industrial solutions. Wabtec has approximately 27,000 employees in facilities throughout the world. Visit the company’s new website at: www.WabtecCorp.com.
