Gross & Janes names Behan president
Written by Kyra Senese, Managing Editor
Gross & Janes Co. has appointed Bill Behan as the company’s new president, with Mike Pourney acting as CEO and overseeing strategic planning.
Behan will manage the company’s daily operations, and representatives say his promotion is part of a larger succession plan for the company’s senior management.
“We are very pleased to elevate Bill Behan to the role of president to oversee all day to day activities of the company. Mike Pourney will continue his attention on strategic alternatives to grow Gross & Janes’ revenue opportunities,” said John Brown, chairman of Gross & Janes Co.
As president, Behan and CFO Mike DiRaimondo have purchased a minority equity ownership in the company, officials say. Representatives say Behan and DiRaimondo are the company’s first equity owners invited from outside of the Gross and Janes families since the company’s beginning in 1920.
“For the first time in our 96-year history, the owners are excited to invite the senior managers of the company to share in ownership,” Brown said. “Mike DiRaimondo is a long-time and respected financial professional. Together, Bill and Mike add unprecedented depth to our company.”
Gross & Janes brought Behan on as vice president of Plant Operations in December 2015. With 30 years of forest products industry experience, officials say he has also previously overseen the operations of a large Mississippi-based sawmill. Behan is an alumnus of St. Louis University, where he received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
