Hypertherm Founder Dick Couch Retires from Board of Directors, Assumes Role of Chair Emeritus

New Hampshire, USA – Hypertherm Inc, a manufacturer of industrial cutting systems and software, announced the transition of Board Chair from founder Dick Couch to long-time board member and current lead director Richard Lettieri. This change is part of a thoughtful leadership and governance succession plan developed over the last two decades by Dick and Barbara Couch and the board of directors. The succession plan, which includes the intentional appointment of executive leadership, ensures the continuation of the founder’s values-based company culture and industry leadership. The company’s executive leadership remains unchanged, with Evan Smith serving as President and CEO.

Couch, now Chair Emeritus, is still the trustee of the company’s Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), a position he has held since the plan’s inception in 2001. Dick and Barbara Couch will also maintain an active presence at Hypertherm, with the Couch Family Foundation office based in the company’s main Hanover facility.

Lettieri, who was unanimously chosen as Chair, is the founder of Dock Square Consultants Inc, a firm founded in 1985 to assist companies in navigating complex business challenges. He has been a Hypertherm board member for 34 years, including seven years as the board’s lead director. He is a director of Fidelity D&D Bancorp Inc, in addition to Hypertherm. He is a Lehigh University and Harvard Business School graduate.

“Hypertherm’s mission and values are based on Dick’s distinctive business philosophies and focus on innovation, Associate well-being, shared rewards, and the enrichment of our communities and the environment,” said Lettieri. “It’s been an honor to work alongside Dick. We have all benefited from his leadership and vision, and I am confident the board will continue to build upon the strong foundation he created as Hypertherm continues its mission of providing customers with the world’s leading industrial cutting solutions.”

“Rich has been a trusted advisor to me for nearly four decades, from Hypertherm’s earliest days,” added Couch. “He knows Hypertherm well. He believes in our mission and values and is well equipped to support Hypertherm’s strong management team, as it works to execute on the company’s vision.”

Image Source: Hypertherm Inc

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