Industry People: Wire and Cable Industry Leadership Updates 2025
Several major companies across the wire, cable, and polymer industries have announced leadership changes and new appointments heading into 2025. These updates highlight expansion, innovation, and continued industry growth.
Rainbow Rubber Appoints Jonathan Rufe as North American Sales Manager
Rainbow Rubber appointed Jonathan Rufe as North American Sales Manager, effective January 1, 2025. Rufe joined the company in 2014 and built a strong sales presence in New England and Canada. Throughout his career with Rainbow, he also supported marketing, trade shows, and product development.
Recently, he managed agents in Canada and Mexico to expand those markets while continuing to lead as a product specialist. Rufe earned a B.A. in Political Science and Government from Lafayette College and an MBA from Lehigh University.
Proton Products Names Andree Cziczkat Global Metals Market Manager
Proton Products Group has hired Andree Cziczkat as Global Metals Market Manager. He brings more than 15 years of experience in the metals industry, most recently as Account Manager Metal EMEA for Nordson Company. He also worked with Iris GmbH and Elco Pro GmbH.
Cziczkat holds an HF degree in electro-optics and medical technology from Ruhr University Bochum. Based in the U.K., Proton Products manufactures advanced instrumentation and control equipment for industrial production.
GEON Performance Solutions Promotes Amy Theobald Poras
GEON Performance Solutions promoted Amy Theobald Poras to Sales Manager – East Region. She joined GEON in 2021 as Wire and Cable Sales Team Leader and has extensive experience with polymer solutions. Her previous roles include leadership positions at Coventus Polymers, Nexeo Plastics, The Chemical Company, and Vendavo.
Based in Westlake, Ohio, GEON provides PVC compounds, polyolefin products, and engineered polymers for diverse industries worldwide.
SAMP Group Appoints New General Manager in Wire and Cable Industry Leadership Updates 2025
SAMP Group selected Matteo Nascetti as General Manager for Italy. He has two decades of experience in automated machinery and precision mechanics.
Nascetti focuses on improving production processes and integrating new technologies to boost efficiency. Based in Bologna, he has worked in emerging markets to help companies expand operations. SAMP continues to lead in wire and cable machinery manufacturing worldwide.
ICE Cable Systems Strengthens East Coast Sales Leadership
ICE Cable Systems announced two new East Coast appointments. Jay Heffernan now serves as Vice President of Sales, bringing over 30 years of experience in the security industry. He began his career as a manufacturer’s representative and helped drive company growth in New England and upstate New York.
Additionally, Amberly Rhyne joined as East Coast Regional Sales Representative. She has ProAV sales experience in the CEDIA market and previously worked with Herman ProAV. Based in Austin, Texas, ICE Cable Systems manufactures low‑voltage wire and cable for residential and commercial use.
RF Industries Welcomes Chris Adams as National Key Account Manager
RF Industries, Inc. has added Chris Adams as National Key Account Manager – Integrators. Adams brings 30 years of experience in sales and marketing.
He most recently served as MNO Sales Director – East Coast for Communication Technology Services and previously worked with Huber + Suher, Radio Frequency Systems, and Amphenol TimesFiber. Based in San Diego, RF Industries designs and manufactures interconnect products, cables, and wire harnesses.
Obituary
Carl P. Sjogren, the owner and president of Sjogren Industries, died from cancer on Nov. 2, 2024, at age 65.
Carl Sjogren joined the family company after graduating from Worcester Academy. His industry story, however, started back in 1888, when an eight-year-old Swedish immigrant, Oscar Sjogren, came to the U.S., ultimately settling in Worcester, Massachusetts, working as a machinist in the local wire mills. In 1927, after working at American Steel and Wire, U.S. Steel and Wickwire Spencer Steel, he started Sjogren and Sons in his two-car garage. The company thrived by supporting the domestic wire industries until his passing in 1957.
After inheriting the business from their father, Oscar’s sons, Richard and Walter, continued to grow and expand the company. The name changed to Sjogren Tool and Machine, and it continued its growth through the 60s and 70s with Richard’s sons—Richard and Robert—manning the helm. At this time, Sjogren carried a workforce of 150 employees in five separate divisions.
The recession of the early 80s forced Sjogren into bankruptcy court and it was taken over by MFA. In 1986, Carl Sjogren, then 27, bought the wire tooling division back. The initial purchase consisted of blueprints, customer lists, inventory and special tooling. He led the company through a tremendous period of growth, expanding sales into Europe, and later launched a new plant, Sjogren Manufacturing, Inc., in Worcester.
Today, the company’s machinery, tooling and accessories are sold worldwide with distributors located in Europe, South America, Asia, and Mexico. During the past 10 years, Carl Sjogren worked with his team to develop 12 new products to launch into the market over time to aid in efficiency and ease of use by workers on wire-drawing lines. He continued to work as he could, still contributing within a week of his passing.
Carl was predeceased by his father, Richard C. Sjogren. Survivors include his mother, Cora; his wife, Cheryl; his son, Dylan; his brother, Buddy; his sister, Wendy; and nieces and nephews.