LSI Industries Inc. (Cincinnati): Howard (“Howie”) E. Japlon was named executive vice president, Human Resources and General Counsel, effective March 13, 2017. Prior to joining LSI, Japlon served as VP, general counsel and secretary at ACE Hardware Corp.; previous employers include RG Steel and Schneider Electric. Japlon received a J.D. from the University of Illinois College of Law, Champaign–Urbana and a B.A. in Economics from Fordham University, New York City.
“Howie is a seasoned leader with experience in the areas of corporate law, human resources, mergers and acquisitions and strategy,” said Dennis Wells, LSI’s CEO and president in a press release. “He has a strong background in manufacturing, distribution and services, including safety programs. His human resources background includes the development and management of compensation and benefit programs. I have worked with Howie in the past at Square D Company (now Schneider Electric), and am certain that his background will prove valuable as LSI continues to grow.”
Wells said the addition of Japlon will allow Paul Foster, executive VP, LSI Business System, to focus on the integration of Atlas Lighting Products. "Paul took the lead on much of the pre-integration planning for this acquisition, and he is now maintaining an office at the Atlas Lighting facility. I am pleased to report that early integration efforts are going well, the acquisition continues to be well-received in our markets, and we remain optimistic about the synergies this combination will provide to LSI. Paul’s efforts with the LSI Business System have resulted in continuous improvement and improved efficiencies throughout the Company. I am confident that his leadership during the integration process will ensure a smooth transition of Atlas into the LSI family.”