Phil Tralies, president and c.e.o. of Club Car for the past six years, has been named chairman and c.e.o. Gary Michel, a longtime executive within parent company Ingersoll Rand, will assume the newly created position of president and c.o.o.
The organizational changes position Tralies to focus on developing strategic business opportunities in emerging domestic and international markets, as well as continue to strengthen key customer and industry relationships, according to Jim Bolch, president of Ingersoll Rand’s Industrial Technologies sector. Michel will be responsible for overseeing Club Car’s day-to-day business operations, and in concert with Tralies, developing long-term strategy, Bolch added.
“Club Car has enjoyed consistent growth and profitability under Phil’s leadership. He has also emerged as one of golf’s leading advocates for the growth of the game. His ability to recognize new opportunities while building on Club Car’s respected position within the golf industry is a tremendous asset to our business going forward,” Bolch said.
Tralies was named president and c.e.o. of Club Car in May 2001 after spending 25 years with Textron, a multi-industry company. While at Club Car, Tralies has overseen continued growth in golf (led by the introduction of the Precedent golf car) while leading the company into new markets,
including commercial and consumer, where innovative vehicles such as the all-wheel-drive XRT have
captured significant market share. Tralies also has led Club Car’s emergence as a global brand with a strong presence in a number of international markets.
Michel, who has 22 years of experience with Ingersoll Rand, joins Club Car after serving as president of the corporation’s Road Development and Utility Equipment businesses. He was also vice president and general manager of Ingersoll Rand’s Portable Power business.
“Gary has a proven track record leading businesses and people,” Tralies says. “His experience is a great fit for Club Car and helps ensure ongoing growth and success.”
Michel earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Virginia Tech and an MBA from the University of Phoenix.