Vortex has announced executive management changes to set the stage for its next generation of corporate leadership.
These changes will go into effect Jan. 1, 2021.
Founded in Salina in 1977, Vortex has grown from a regional business to a multi-national manufacturing and engineering company specializing in process equipment for handling dry bulk foods, chemicals, and minerals.
In addition to his role as chief executive officer (CEO), Travis Young has been appointed president to lead the overall direction and strategy of the company. Young is the fourth president & CEO in the company’s 44-year history, succeeding Jeff Thompson, Lee Young, and Neil Peterson. Young has been with Vortex for 16 years, previously leading Vortex’s marketing and international business development initiatives.
Thompson is stepping down as president and chief operating officer; but will retain his position as Vortex’s chief financial officer (CFO). In his role, Thompson will also serve as a senior advisor to the new leadership team and will continue to oversee IT, Human Resources, and Accounting. Thompson served as president & CEO for the past 13 years and has been with the company for 18 years.
Brain Burmaster has been promoted to chief sales & marketing officer (CSO) Burmaster will be responsible for client retention, customer service, operational engineering, and overall revenue growth for the company. Burmaster previously served as vice president of sales and has been with the company for 14 years in a variety of customer-focused disciplines.
Cory Downing has been promoted to chief operating officer (COO). In his new role, he will have responsibility over Vortex’s production, facilities, operations, product development and organizational development. Downing has been with the company for 15 years and has experience managing Vortex’s engineering and manufacturing engineering efforts, as well as new product development.
“We recognize that Vortex is a more dynamic and a much larger company than when I initially accepted the roles of president & CEO in 2007,” Thompson said. “There is a clear business need to have executive roles in place that are more focused on the key facets of the business, especially as we move into a new decade.”
“Jeff (Thompson) has done an outstanding job in his tenure as CEO & president here at Vortex,” Young said. “Under his leadership we were able to define our core values as an organization and experience the greatest period of growth in Vortex’s history. His mentorship as a senior advisor will be vital and much appreciated by all of our executive team members.”