American Vanguard Corporation (NYSE: AVD) has announced the retirement of Mort Erlich, a longstanding member of the company’s board of directors since October 2013. His retirement is set to take effect upon the filing of the Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2023. Mr. Erlich, who joined American Vanguard following an illustrious 34-year tenure at KPMG LLP, has made significant contributions during his time with the company. He notably served as the Chair of the Audit Committee and as a member of both the Compensation Committee and Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee.
In light of Mr. Erlich’s retirement, the board has appointed Steven Macicek to succeed him as the Chair of the Audit Committee. Mr. Macicek brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously served as the Global Client Services Partner at Ernst & Young. His tenure at Ernst & Young provided him with deep insights into corporate governance and boardroom dynamics, making him well-suited to guide American Vanguard in its strategic endeavors. With a robust background in auditing and business advisory services, Mr. Macicek has worked extensively with national and multinational corporations across various industries. His expertise encompasses accounting, finance, risk management, M&A, executive leadership, governance, and international business.
Eric G. Wintemute, Chairman, and CEO of American Vanguard expressed gratitude for Mr. Erlich’s exceptional service over the past 11 years, acknowledging his profound understanding of accounting principles and his adept management of audit-related matters. Mr. Wintemute praised Mr. Erlich’s invaluable contributions as the Chair of the Audit Committee and conveyed well wishes for his future endeavors.
Regarding Mr. Macicek’s appointment, Mr. Wintemute conveyed enthusiasm, citing his extensive experience and success at Ernst & Young as a testament to his capabilities. He emphasized Mr. Macicek’s aptitude in accounting and business advisory, underscoring his potential to support American Vanguard’s growth and transformation initiatives. Mr. Wintemute expressed optimism about collaborating with Mr. Macicek to advance the company’s objectives and foster its continued success.
