Our Team

Superior Essex Corporate

  • Daniel Choi is the Chief Executive Officer of Superior Essex, a role he was named to in March 2022. Prior to his position with the company, Choi served as the Regional President, North and South Americas for LS Cable & System, where he managed product sales and strategy as well as the power cable operations of the company. Choi has spent time working with either Superior Essex or its parent company, LS Cable & System since 1999 when he began his career as a Manager, Electronic Component Development Group at the R&D Center. Choi received his B.S. in Material Science and Engineering at Pohang University of Science and Technology. He furthered his education with a Masters in Material Science and Engineering as well as a Ph.D in Material Science and Engineering from Seoul (Korea) National University. He then obtained an MBA from Helsinki School of Economics.

    Daniel Choi

    Chief Executive Officer

    LinkedIn
  • Yun K Kang was named the CFO of Superior Essex to open the 2022 calendar year. Kang brings with him a wide variety of global finance and leadership knowledge and experience.  He previously served as the Controller for LG Chem America based in New Jersey for nearly two decades. He was also the CFO for LG Hausys America between 2010-2015, and the CEO of LG Miso Finance based in Seoul, Korea from 2017-2021.

Kang earned his Bachelor Degree from Seoul National University.

    Yun K Kang

    Chief Financial Officer

    LinkedIn
  • Sammy Kim is the Chief Strategy Officer for Superior Essex Inc., it is a position that he was named to in April of 2022. Kim had previously worked for Superior Essex as the Director, FP&A/PMO before moving to LS Cable & System USA as the Director, Business Development and Strategy. Kim brings knowledge of the industries that Superior Essex serves, as well as a strategic mindset, and a deep understanding of finance. In his role, Kim supports the development and implementation of strategic and business development initiatives to help Superior Essex achieve a sustainable future.

    Sammy Kim

    Chief Strategy Officer

    LinkedIn
  • Linda Skorb is the SVP, Chief Human Resources Officer for Superior Essex. It is a role that she has been in since May of 2023. Skorb was previously the Vice President of Human Resources for Mativ and has had roles with increasing responsibility for nearly 25 years. She is a trusted advisor, respected leader and creative thinker who is known for driving results through collaboration and a solutions-focused approach. Skorb earned a Masters Degree in Adult Education and Training from Georgia Southern University. Prior to that, she obtained her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

    Linda Skorb

    SVP, Chief Human Resources Officer

    LinkedIn
  • Brad R. Johnson has been in the Communications industry for nearly four decades, the past 27 years with Superior Essex. He currently serves as COO of Superior Essex International LP, Communications as well as Essex Brownell. Brad joined Superior Essex in January of 1997 as Regional Sales Manager located in St. Louis, Missouri. In 1999, he was promoted to Director of Sales - Premises Markets, then Vice President of Sales - Distribution Markets. In July 2013, Brad was asked to serve as Senior Vice President of Sales, and eventually President of the Communications Business Unit. Prior to joining Superior Essex, Brad worked for GTE Supply and GTE Southwest in various Sales and Marketing roles, as well as for M/A–COM in various Sales Management positions. Brad holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Indiana State University.

    Brad Johnson

    COO, Superior Essex Communications & Essex Brownell

    LinkedIn
  • Zack Kim is the Vice President of Corporate Business Planning, a role that he accepted in early 2019 after serving as the Director of FP&A in Asia as well as a Human Resources Director for Superior Essex since 2012. His current position makes him responsible for leading global magnet wire strategic initiatives, developing and implementing best practices, as well as investment optimization. Kim came to the company after previously being a Human Resources Director for LS Cable & System  over nine years prior. He received his Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Sungkyunkwan University and studied in Graduate School of Labor Studies at Korea University in South Korea.

    Zack Jiwoon Kim

    VP, Corporate Business Planning

    LinkedIn
  • Justin Im is Vice President of Legal & Corporate Secretary at Superior Essex.  As the company’s chief legal officer, he oversees all legal affairs for the company's global operations.  Prior to joining Superior Essex in 2012, he was in-house counsel at a Fortune 25 company in Atlanta and practiced at global law firms in New York and Atlanta specializing in corporate, M&A, structured finance and securities law.  He is a graduate of Princeton University and Fordham University School of Law.

    Justin Im

    VP, Legal & Corporate Secretary

    LinkedIn
  • Scott Wilde is the Global Vice President of Strategic Sourcing for Superior Essex, a role that has evolved over his last 14 years. Wilde is tasked with both traditional procurement and a more specialized role in commodity risk management, a pairing that may not always meet in other organizations. Wilde graduated from the University of Georgia with a BBS in Finance, obtained a CPM certificate, and has passed the Series 3 exam. He has also completed six marathons and completes about 30 audio books per year.

    Scott Wilde

    VP, Strategic Sourcing

    LinkedIn
  • Manish Kumar is the Vice President, Information Systems for Superior Essex, a role that he was promoted to after serving as the Director, Systems Development. Kumar and his team will focus on developing and advancing systems for the company. He has been in the information technology industry for 30+ years, and has spent the last 15 with Superior Essex. Prior to his tenure at Superior Essex, Kumar worked as a software consultant providing solutions to business around the world including those in India, UK, UAE, and the US. He completed his undergraduate studies in India where he studied Computer Science and holds an MBA with a specialization in Global Business Administration from The Georgia Institute of Technology.

    Manish Kumar

    VP, Information Systems

    LinkedIn
  • Mike Capesius is the VP, Corporate Tax for Superior Essex. It is a position that he was promoted to in September of 2022 after several years with Superior Essex working as the International Tax Director. Capesius also worked in a similar capacity for both Travelport as well as Newell Rubbermaid, beginning in 1999. Prior to moving into International Tax, he spent 10 years in the consumer credit industry. He received his degree from the University of Northern Iowa.

    Mike Capesius

    VP, Corporate Tax

    LinkedIn

Superior Essex Communications

  • Chris Freitag is the President of Superior Essex Communications. He has more than 20 years of experience in business and financial leadership roles as well as deep expertise in manufacturing, finance, marketing, sales, strategic development, and M&A. He joined Superior Essex in 2024 and most recently served as the Chief Financial Officer for Copper Carry, Inc., where he oversaw their finance and accounting functions. Before that, he was Vice President and General Manager for Mativ, Inc., where he led their Industrial Nets and Erosion Control business. Freitag has also held leadership roles with SWM International and Great Range Capital. Additionally, he previously worked for Superior Essex as a Director of Business Planning and Development. Freitag holds an MBA in Finance from Emory University and a BBA in Finance from The University of Iowa.

    Chris Freitag

    President, Superior Essex Communications

    LinkedIn
  • Ken Braziel has been in the communications industry for 31 years, the past 9 years with Superior Essex, where he currently serves as its Vice President of Sales Enterprise — Americas. Ken joined Superior Essex in May of 2007 as Regional Sales Manager located in Mansfield, Texas. In January of 2010, Ken was promoted to Director of Sales - West, then Director of Sales - USA and eventually Vice President of Sales - USA. In January 2016, all Enterprise Sales for the Americas was added to Ken’s responsibilities. Prior to joining Superior Essex, Ken worked as a consultant, as well as in a variety of sales, sales management and structured cabling positions. Ken received his RCDD in June of 1993 and has conducted industry trainings around the country on industry trends, installation practices and sales strategies.

    Ken Braziel

    VP, Enterprise Sales

    LinkedIn
  • Brian Ensign is the Superior Essex Communications Vice President of Marketing. His industry experience spans nearly three decades, all of which have been focused on the technology and market development activities within the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) community. Brian has been active in structured cabling, intelligent spaces, sustainability, partnerships and cyber security spaces while aiming to deliver industry leading product solutions that focus on enabling technology and intelligent spaces with sustainability in mind. He holds a degree in Electrical Engineering Technology from the SUNY Polytechnic Institute and has RCDD, NTS, OSP, and RTPM designations from BICSI, where he was also a former President of the organization.

    Brian Ensign

    VP, Marketing

    LinkedIn
  • Eric Perry is a results-driven Business Management Executive with broad based expertise leading effective business strategy, operations performance, and cross-functional team leadership in support of quality initiatives at multi-million dollar organizations. He has worked in multiple positions at Superior Essex since 1997, where he has provided executive leadership for all Quality Management functions and staff across multiple production facilities in the United States; deployed standards and best practices across all production facilities, capturing key gains in efficiency, productivity, and effectiveness. He earned his Masters of Science in Mathematics and Statistics from the University of South Caroline, where he also obtained his Bachelor of Science degree.

    Eric Perry

    VP, Quality & Applications Engineering

    LinkedIn
  • Derek Hartrampf is the VP, Procurement & Supply Chain for Superior Essex Communications, a position he was promoted to in June of 2022. Hartrampf has nearly 20 years of experience in designing sourcing strategies and optimizing processes to reduce cost and generate revenue. He had previously been both the Global Director of Strategic Sourcing as well as the Senior Manager of Procurement for Superior Essex over the last decade. Hartrampf had previously worked in escalating roles at both Crane Materials International as well as Tug Technologies. He obtained his Bachelors’ Degree in Business Administration from Georgia State and has obtained a CPSM Credential from the Institute for Supply Management.

    Derek Hartrampf

    VP, Procurement & Supply Chain

    LinkedIn
  • Michael Adams is the VP, Operations for Superior Essex Communications, a position he was hired to in February of 2020. Adams had spent the previous 22 years with Prysmian Group in various roles of Operations, Telecom, and Technical Services. He obtained his Bachelors’ Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Tennessee. Prior to his professional career he served his country as an Infantry Soldier for the United States Army.

    Michael Adams

    VP, Operations

    LinkedIn
  • Mark Noh is the VP Finance, Strategic Financial Planning & Manufacturing Controllers for Superior Essex Communications. Noh has nearly 20 years of market experience in utilizing proactive approaches to overcome barriers and implementing prudent financial management. He had previously been a Corporate FP&A Strategic Planning Lead for Superior Essex and had worked in escalating roles for some of the world’s largest semiconductor manufacturing companies including, Applied Materials, Samsung, and AIG. He obtained his MBA from University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business and earned a Bachelors’ Degree in Business Administration at Baruch College, which is part of City University of New York system. He completed the curriculum with a major in Accountancy as well as a minor in Finance. Mark is fluent in both Korean and Spanish.

    Mark Noh

    VP Finance, Strategic Financial Planning & Manufacturing Controllers

    LinkedIn
  • Anthony Szot is the VP, Manufacturing for Superior Essex Communications. It is a role that he has been in since October 2022. Szot has been with the company since June of 1999 and has worked in various roles prior to being named to his current position. Most recently he oversaw the Hoisington Plant, a flagship in the company. During his tenure he helped lead a Zero Waste to Landfill certification process, making Superior Essex Communications one of the first manufacturers in the country to be third-party verified as a Zero Waste facility. Under his supervision, the plant maintained this status since 2015. Szot received dual degrees from Kansas State—a Bachelor of Science in both Manufacturing Systems Engineersing as well as Industrial Engineering. Additionally, Szot obtained his MBA from Colorado State and maintains his professional engineering license.

    Anthony Szot

    VP, Manufacturing

    LinkedIn

Essex Furukawa Magnet Wire

  • Jared Rowntree is the President, Essex Furukawa Magnet Wire North America, a role that he was transitioned into recently after the completion of the global joint venture, from his previous position as President of Asia Pacific. Rowntree has been with the organization for nearly a decade, operating as a Materials Manager, Operations Manager, Plant Manager, and Managing Director which grew his skillset and leadership ability that helped elevate him to his current role. Prior to coming to Essex, he worked for two other, leading manufacturers. Rowntree has his degrees from Queens University as well as Conestoga College.

    Jared Rowntree

    President, Essex Furukawa Magnet Wire North America

    LinkedIn
  • Ing. Klaus Borstner is currently the President, Essex Furukawa Magnet Wire Europe, Essex Energy Italy, and Global Enamels. He is leading the continued evolution and market leadership of our energy focused business in the field of CTC and other multi-enameled copper products. He has a 30 years of experience in the electrical industry, in various senior positions, and during his career he has developed vast global experience by living and working in Southeast Asia, the United States, and China. Prior to his time with Essex, he spend more than 20 years at Elin, an Austrian company that become Siemens in the field of HV-applications and transformers. He holds a degree in Electrical Engineering which aids in his understanding of processes and innovation.

    Klaus Borstner

    President, Essex Furukawa Magnet Wire Europe, Essex Energy Italy, & Global Enamels

    LinkedIn
  • Joonhee (Albert) Lee is the President, Essex Furukawa Magnet Wire Asia, a role that focuses on the automotive industry with a specific emphasis on traction motors. Prior to this, Lee was the Managing Director for our Suzhou plant and spent four years as Executive Director of Technology for Essex Magnet Wire. Over the last quarter century Lee has been involved in developing new technology with a focus on the automotive industry. He has improved magnet wire property design for motor applications, as well as improved properties for enameling. Lee obtained his Master’s Degree in Industrial Chemistry at Kyungpook National University in South Korea.

    Albert Lee

    President, Essex Furukawa Magnet Wire Asia

    LinkedIn
  • Mikimori Maekawa is the President Essex Furukawa Magnet Wire Japan. He was the deputy Divisional Manager of Magnet Wire Division at Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd (Japan) and joined Essex Furukawa at the announcement of the joint venture in October 2020. He has worked with the Furukawa Electric Group since 1984, at has executed strategical global business development in these years in both Tokyo and London, UK.  Additionally, Maekawa was the General Manager, Planning Department under the Chief Marketing Officer from 2012-17. He obtains his Bachelor of Economics from Nagoya University in Japan.

    Mikimori Maekawa

    President, Essex Furukawa Magnet Wire Japan

    LinkedIn
  • Don Lee is the Chief Financial Officer for Essex Furukawa Magnet Wire, a position which he was promoted to after spending two years as Vice President of Finance and Controller for Superior Essex. He leads the overall financial controls and reporting for the global manufacturing operations of the company. Prior to working with Superior Essex, Lee spent nearly 15 years with LG Electronics as a CFO and VP of Operations for its United States operations after entering that company as a Controller and VP of Shared Service Centers. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Southern Illinois University and was awarded a Master of Business Administration in Accounting and Finance from the University of Illinois. Lee is also a Certified Management Accountant as well as a Certified Public Accountant.

    Don Lee

    Chief Financial Officer

    LinkedIn
  • Tim Shiigi is the SVP for Global Operations as well Research & Development. He is responsible for the global operation and manufacturing aspects of the business. He joined Furukawa Electric in 1986 and accepted this new position in October 2020 with the announcement of the Global Joint Venture. Prior to his current role he was the Divisional Manager of Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd (Japan) & President of Furukawa Magnet Wire  Co., Ltd. Shiigi was responsible for the global operation of the Magnet Wire Business and worked to establish this current venture. Prior to that, he was a Plant Manager, VP of FEMCO in Franklin Indiana USA (a former JV Company with SPSX) from 2006, as well as the Engineering & Technical Director of FEMM in Malaysia from 1998. He obtained a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering from Kyushu University, Japan.

    Toru (Tim) Shiigi

    SVP, Global Operations and Global Research & Development

    LinkedIn
  • Satoru Ise is the Vice President of Global Research & Development. Ise was elevated into this role in April of 2023 after successfully serving as the Managing Director, Essex Furukawa Magnet Wire Malaysia. Ise transitioned to the Essex Furukawa team after spending three years as Managing Director, Essex Furukawa Magnet Wire Europe GmbH during an initial 2017 joint venture and HVWW® development. Over the past 20 years, Ise has held positions of increasing responsibility in business development. Prior to his work with Essex Furukawa he was a Director, Business planning and development, OFS Fitel LLC. as well as Manager, Overseas Business Development Team, Planning and Administration department, Telecommunications Company. Ise obtained his degree from Kansai University, Faculty of Engineering, in Osaka, Japan.

    Satoru Ise

    VP, Global Research & Development

    LinkedIn
  • Koichi Kikkawa is the VP, Global Operations for Essex Furukawa Magnet Wire. It is a role that he has been in since April 2023. Kikkawa had spent the majority of his career with Furukawa Electric, beginning in 1990 as a process engineer in Japan. He was instrumental in the development of the HVWW® wire business, which was the key component from an initial joint venture between the two companies. Kikkawa served as the Director for Global Operational Excellence in Europe, Asia, and Japan before his current role where he now leads operations for Essex Furukawa. Kikkawa earned his Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering from Kansai University in Osaka, Japan.

    Koichi Kikkawa

    VP, Global Operations

    LinkedIn
  • Matt Leach is the VP, North America Innovation Center for Essex Furukawa. He was responsible for launching and overseeing the MagForceX® Innovation Centers prior to this role. Leach has worked with Superior Essex -- ​with increasing responsibilities -- in technology and operations for nearly 25 years. Most recently Leach served as Vice President of Operations ​for Essex North America. He is ​currently tasked with leading a team of experts across a multitude of disciplines to solve the next wave of technological questions. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree ​in Mechanical Engineering from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and holds an MBA from ​Indiana University.

    Matt Leach

    VP, North America Innovation Center

    LinkedIn
  • Kevin Park is the VP, Operations in North America; it is a role that he has been in since August of 2020. Park is responsible for five magnet wire plants, the Metals Processing Center, as well as the Chemical Processing Plant for Essex Furukawa Magnet Wire. Previously, he worked within the copper industry for Sam Dong over the course of two decades. He was General Manager in his previous role with technical skills in the copper manufacturing and magnet wire process. He has a Material Science and Engineering degree from Kunsan University and also has obtained a HUNET MBA certification.

    Kevin Park

    VP, Operations North America

    LinkedIn
  • Andrew Winkeljohn is the VP, Sales for North America. It is a role that he was named to in July of 2021. He has 20-years of experience with the company in various product, sales, and business roles and is currently responsible for all magnet wire product lines targeting the Energy, Industrial, Commercial, and Residential markets. Winkeljohn has a proven track record of surpassing high-growth goals in sales and profitability, building and leading sales teams, as well as working across departments to create mutually beneficial relationships. His previous experience includes leading sales initiatives at both Baldor Electric and Phelps Dodge prior to joining Essex Furukawa. Winkeljohn earned an MBA from Indiana Tech and has a Bachelor of Science from Indiana University.

    Andrew Winkeljohn

    VP, Sales North America

    LinkedIn
  • Chase Dunaway is the Vice President, Automotive Sales North America for Essex Furukawa Magnet Wire. It is a role that he has been in since August of 2023. He has been with the company since 2017 in other key sales positions. In his current capacity, Dunaway assumes a pivotal role in realizing the Essex Furukawa growth plan—with a particular focus on the automotive sector. He has an extensive sales background that is fortified by educational achievements, positioning him as an invaluable asset for navigating the complexities of an evolving market landscape. Dunaway has earned a B.A, Business Administration as well as a Master of Administrative Science and Master of Business Administration degrees from Fairleigh Dickinson University.

    Chase Dunaway

    VP, Automotive Sales North America

    LinkedIn
  • Greg Caudill is the VP, Technology and Customer Care in North America for Essex Furukawa Magnet Wire. Caudill began his career with the company in 1998 and has been an integral part of several teams and across multiple positions to date. During his tenure, Caudill has launched two green field sites in Torreon (Mexico) and Suzhou (China) as well as participated in multiple, global collaborations focused on technology development with customers. He is the current Chairperson for the NEMA 6-MW Magnet Wire Committee. Prior to working at Essex Furukawa, he worked in other roles focusing on coil winding, over molding and testing. Caudill obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from Indiana Institute of Technology. He also has six patents to his name.

    Greg Caudill

    VP, Technology & Customer Care North America

    LinkedIn

Essex Brownell and Hi-Wire

  • Jason Krauskopf is the President, Essex Brownell & Hi-Wire where he is responsible for the strategic direction, vision, growth, and performance of the distribution business units. It is a position he was promoted to following his role as the Region Sales Director for the business unit.
Krauskopf has been with the company since 1995 and over the course of his career has been part of product management, marketing, product development, and sales positions within Essex Magnet Wire, Superior Essex Communications, and Essex Brownell.  Most recently he supervised the relaunch of the PureNet communications product line in North America.  Krauskopf has a Bachelor’s Degree in Telecommunications from Indiana University as well as a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Kennesaw State University.

    Jason Krauskopf

    President, Essex Brownell & Hi-Wire

    LinkedIn
  • Rebecca Hunnicutt is the Vice President, Operations & Customer Service for Essex Brownell. She was promoted to this role in April of 2022 while continuing to manage a network of 16 warehouses across North America. Prior to her promotion, Hunnicutt served as a Director of Inside Sales & Customer Service for Essex. During her tenure she established an inside sales specialist program that generated significant revenue as well as significantly reduced inventory overhead. She had also established a customer support center that achieved 98% satisfaction as well as an outbound calling program that notably contributed to the business. Hunnicutt brought 15 years of manufacturing experience with her when she came to Essex Brownell in 2009.

    Rebecca Hunnicutt

    VP, Operations & Customer Service

    LinkedIn
  • Lynn McCullough is the Vice President of Sales for Essex Brownell. It is a role that she was promoted to in November 2022. Prior to this position, McCullough first joined the company as the National Sales Manager for the PureNet communications product line in North America. McCullough has over two decades of industry experience in sales and business development roles where she specialized in in both manufacturing and distribution sales. She was an owner-operator of Coastal Product Group before joining the Essex Brownell team. McCullough earned her Bachelor of Science degree from SUNY Brockport.

    Lynn T. McCullough

    VP, Sales

    LinkedIn
  • Greg Hagen is the Vice President, Marketing for Essex Brownell. He was promoted to this role in January of 2023 and is responsible for market strategies, supplier management, marketing, and strategic pricing. Hagen has been with Essex Brownell since 2006 and has held several positions during his tenure including Product Line Manager, Sr. Pricing Manager, Support Manager and most recently, Director of Marketing. Hagen believes in taking both an analytical as well as team-first approach to driving positive change. His leadership has positively impacted profitability, efficiencies, as well as growth through each of his roles. Prior to joining Essex Brownell, he held information technology positions developing applications for both the Insurance and Medical industries. Hagen holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Systems from Taylor University.

    Greg Hagen

    VP, Marketing

    LinkedIn
  • Darren Goldthorpe is the Managing Director of Hi-Wire—the magnet wire distribution brand of Superior Essex in the United Kingdom. It is a role that he has been in since August of 2008 when Superior Essex acquired the Nexans group in Europe. During his tenure with the Nexans subsidiary Tri-Wire, he was the Commercial Manager responsible for sales and strategic planning. Goldthorpe has four decades of experience within the copper industry and has helped grow the Hi-Wire brand into a market leader for distribution within the U.K. He focuses his efforts on business development and strategic direction while managing operations at two facilities.

    Darren Goldthorpe

    Managing Director, Hi‑Wire

    LinkedIn

Lacroix + Kress

  • Christof Barklage is the Managing Director of Lacroix + Kress, a subsidiary brand of Superior Essex in Europe. It is a role that he has been in since November of 2020. Barklage has been part of Senior Management, including C-Suite positions, since 2005 through various roles at Nexans. In addition to positions within those organizations, Barklage has served on numerous boards through multiple mandates across Europe and West Africa. He has a Graduate degree in Economics and nearly four decades in the manufacturing industry.

    Christof Barklage

    Managing Director

    LinkedIn

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