LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa. — Mack Trucks has announced several actions to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of its organization, including the creation of a new executive position for product development and planning, as well as the integration of its sales and marketing functions.

Thomas M. Kelly III has been named to the newly-created position of senior vice-president of product portfolio management. Kelly had previously held the title of vice-president of marketing. In this position, Kelly will represent the voice of the Mack customer in the product development, planning and specification work done in conjunction with the engineering, powertrain and manufacturing groups. He will also lead efforts to develop opportunities for Mack hybrid and other special vehicles.

Kevin Flaherty has been named senior vice-president of Mack US and Canada. He was previously senior vice-president of sales. In his new role, Flaherty has responsibility for all Mack sales and marketing activities in the US and Canada. Kelly and Flaherty report to Mack president and CEO Dennis Slagle.

“Kevin and Tom bring a wealth of knowledge to their new roles to help us deliver the full benefits of Mack to our customers and dealers in this competitive market,” Slagle said. “Mack’s tradition of application excellence is enhanced with this direct connection between the brand and product development, while the changes to sales and marketing continue our focus on meeting the needs of customers with increased efficiency.”

Kelly joined Mack in 1991 as director of materials management and was subsequently named general manager of Mack’s Macungie Assembly Operations before becoming vice-president of marketing in 1999. He holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and economics from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa.

Flaherty joined Mack in 1973. During his tenure, he has served as vice-president for both the southeast region and northeast sales regions, and has held various positions in the sales and marketing departments. He became vice president domestic sales in 1998 and senior vice president of sales in 2001. Flaherty has a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Marshall University.

In addition, Mack named two other executives to senior positions, both reporting to Flaherty. Michael McNally has been named to the new position of vice-president of sales. McNally will support the efforts of Mack’s regional sales organizations. His areas of responsibility include national accounts, municipal sales and powertrain sales. McNally has been with Mack for 36 years, and has served as northeast regional vice-president since 1998.

Michael Reardon has been named vice-president of marketing in the combined department. He is responsible for all aspects of marketing for Mack in the US and Canada. Reardon has been with Mack for 12 years, holding positions of increasing responsibility, most recently serving as vice-president of new dealer operations.

Also, Brian Buckley was named northeast regional vice-president, succeeding McNally. Buckley has served as district manager in the region since 2000.