Fortna Announces Management Changes to Support Superior Client Service

Aug. 17, 2015 - PRLog -- READING, PA – Fortna, the distribution experts™, announced several staff promotions and new hires in support of the company’s growth and commitment to providing the highest quality professional and engineering services to its clients.

John Mertz was promoted from CFO to Executive Vice President, Professional Services Organization.  Mertz is a perfect fit for this role with his proven track record of global operations experience and P&L responsibility.  Mertz will lead Fortna’s professional services organization of over 275 associates focused on delivering the distribution strategy, design, implementation and support services that help companies turn their distribution operations into a competitive advantage.

Barry Malamud will replace John Mertz as CFO, with responsibility for over thirty associates.  A strong financial leader with 25 years of experience, Malamud joins Fortna from Harsco Corporation where he most recently managed the strategic direction of the world-wide Finance function for their Metals & Minerals Division.  In this role, Malamud provided oversight and assistance in redesigning the Division operating model, which included significant cost reductions and administrative process improvements.  Leveraging strong operational and financial skills, Malamud will continue his long history of success in driving sustainable, strategic growth in returns and overall profitability.

George Swartz has joined Fortna as Group Vice President, Supply Chain Services. Swartz brings over 30 years of experience in distribution, fulfillment strategy,operations design and management consulting with Accenture, CSC, Capgemini and other specialty consulting firms.  Swartz will lead the Supply Chain Services (SCS) Group of over 65 seasoned consultants dedicated to driving distribution innovation and the comprehensive solutions Fortna clients have come to expect.

Todd Henry has joined Fortna as Vice President, Engineering.  Henry is a proven leader with 22 years of experience in engineering leadership, project execution, and operations management. With a background in automated material handling and engineering, Henry will manage the fifty associates in Fortna’s engineering disciplines that include Applications & Design Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Solutions Development.

“Each of these leaders has the deep experience and will drive the thought leadership and the innovation that Fortna needs to meet growing demand while ensuring great client satisfaction,” said John A. White III, President and CEO of Fortna.  “Our services are in high demand as the world’s top brands turn to Fortna for more innovative ways to help them gain competitive advantage with their distribution operations.”

About Fortna Inc.
For over 60 years, Fortna has partnered with the world’s top brands – companies like O’Reilly Automotive, L.L.Bean, Pick n Pay and Totto – helping them improve their distribution operations and transform their businesses.  Companies with complex distribution operations trust Fortna to help them meet customer promises and competitive challenges profitably. We are a professional services firm built on a promise – we develop a solid business case for change and hold ourselves accountable to those results. Our expertise spans supply chain strategy, distribution center operations, material handling, supply chain systems, organizational excellence, and warehouse control software.