Latexco NV, with world headquarters in Tielt, Belgium, has hired Ben Ducatteeuw as chief executive officer of its American operation, Latexco U.S. Holdings LLC.
Concurrently, the Belgian latex supplier announced that its U.S. business now is a wholly owned subsidiary of Latexco NV. Previously, Latexco U.S. was a 50/50 joint venture with silent partner Kalathi LLC, whose principal, Carl Bouckaert, also is co-founder and chair of Beaulieu of America, a flooring major based in Dalton, Georgia.
Ducatteeuw replaces Vincent Gesquierre, who has been a part of Latexco U.S. since its launch in 2006. Following a transition period, Gesquierre will return to Belgium and continue with the company on a temporary basis, working on specific projects and product development, according to a Latexco news release.
A 15-year veteran of the bedding industry, Ducatteeuw previously was with ticking supplier DesleeClama (now BekaertDeslee), where he was managing director of the DesleeClama Innovation Center for five years. He has held a variety of sales and marketing leadership posts during his career.
Ducatteeuw, along with Bob Carstens, Latexco U.S. chief operating officer, has responsibility for directing Latexco’s two U.S. divisions—Latexco U.S. East, operating from the Lavonia, Georgia, manufacturing facility; and Latexco U.S. West, operating from the company’s conversion and distribution center in Santa Fe Springs, California. Roger Coffey continues in his role as president of Latexco US West.
In a news release, Latexco NV CEO, Luc Maes, thanked Gesquierre for “growing the business” and “being a driving force” over the past decade, adding, “with this consolidated ownership and new management team, the Latexco Group is pursuing its belief in the future growth and opportunities of Latexco U.S. Holdings, where we continue to position the company as a reliable and innovative partner and a ‘one-stop shop’ for the mattress industry.”
