Paris (France), December 5, 2006 – Lectra, the world leader in software, CAD/CAM equipment and related services dedicated to large-scale users of textiles, leather and industrial fabrics, has named Roy Shurling to direct all Lectra activity for the company’s global automotive and transportation markets.

Roy Shurling has been with Lectra for 20 years. In his most recent position as Senior Account Director, he managed the accounts of important Lectra customers such as Boeing, Lockheed, Brunswick, Seton Leather, Johnson Controls, Autoliv, Milliken, and Delphi. Previously he had held a number of senior positions on both the technical and sales sides of Lectra’s operations.

Based in Lectra’s Atlanta, Georgia office Roy Shurling has made a significant contribution to the development of Lectra’s activity in the automotive and transportation sectors over the years. He has played a major role in the commercial success of the company’s laser cutting technology for the manufacture of airbags as well as the company’s automated cutting solutions dedicated to mass production of automotive sseats and interior components. 

Roy Shurling has worked with Lectra’s key airbag manufacturing customers to implement more than 60 automated laser cutting solutions valued at more than $40 million since 1996. Additionally, Roy managed a long-term engagement with leading automotive interior systems specialist Johnson Controls that resulted in a $6 million sale at the end of 2005. The deal involved an investment in 20 VectorAuto MP9 automated cutting solutions for Johnson Controls production facilities in Europe. 

Developing strategic accounts and ensuring a globally consistent offering

In his new position as Senior Vice President, Automotive and Transportation, Roy Shurling will be charged with ensuring the continuing development of Lectra’s major strategic accounts on a global basis and reinforcing the company’s brand image. He will work closely with Lectra subsidiaries and International Advanced Technology Centers around the world to guarantee a consistent method of promoting the company’s technologies, while ensuring the adaptability of its services offering to all Lectra automotive and transportation customers, both large and small. 

“I am excited about the new challenges that will come with my expanded role at Lectra,” said Roy Shurling. “In addition to strengthening our sales and services approach to large accounts, I will work to extend the success of our automated cutting and enterprise solutions as well as our software specifically developed for the automotive and transportation markets, which are the most advanced today. I will be working with an international team of experienced, highly professional specialists to satisfy the needs of our customers.”

Lectra CEO Daniel Harari added that “Roy has been an integral part of our success in the automotive and transportation markets for many years, and I’m convinced that his proven leadership and total dedication to the success of our customers will benefit both Lectra and our customers.” 

Roy Shurling earned a Bachelors Degree in Computer Engineering for hardware and software from Southern College of Technology in Marietta, Georgia.