Key Leadership

Qualified Personnel are the keys to any company's success. Safetran prides itself in having some of the railroad and construction industries' finest personnel. The experience these people have acquired, as well as their willingness to remain informed of new ideas and developing technologies, is a vital asset to our company.

Key Leadership Members are:

President, Kevin Riddett. Kevin's international business experience will be instrumental in the further globalization of Safetran. He spent a significant part of his early career in the rail industry, achieving the role of President and Chief Executive of one company. Just prior to coming to Safetran, he spent 12 years with cable business where he was President and Chief Executive Officer, with two of those years in Italy heading up their Cable business.

Vice President – PTC & Locomotive Equipment, Rick Soldo. Over 20 years of experience in manufacturing and operations. Prior to joining Safetran in 2006, he worked for 17 years in the Pump Industry in Financial and Operations positions including running both project oriented facilities and high volume production plants. In addition, Rick worked as Executive Vice President for an Oil and Gas equipment manufacturer.

Vice President – Engineering & Projects, David Zahorsky. David leads Safetran's product engineering, application engineering and project management activities. With over 30 years in the industry, David has extensive experience in the communication, signaling, traction power and train control disciplines, holds a US patent for electrical equipment enclosures, and has particular expertise in the management of large scale C&S projects for mass transit, light and commuter rail and high speed commuter rail systems. He has held positions in general management, marketing and sales management, project/construction management, engineering/design, systems integration and field maintenance. Before joining Safetran, he was President and GM of a major light rail transit system in the eastern US.

Vice President – Technology, Bill Krull. Bill has over 25 years of experience developing and managing products. He joined Safetran in January 2009 with 6 years of experience in North American and global railroad industries holding positions of Sr. Director of Product Solutions Development and Group Director of Product Management. In addition to his global rail experience, he brings knowledge and skill sets from defense and other high technology industries.

Vice President – Sales Marketing, John J. Paljug. Over 23 years of experience, including nine years with Safetran, and over 14 years of experience in the mass transit and railroad industry. Prior to joining Safetran he held a position of Director of Marketing & Technology with a signal and equipment manufacturer for railroad and mass transit applications.

Vice President – Finance, Paul Kerr. Mr. Kerr joined Safetran in May 2005 and has eleven years experience in the Rail market in both Europe and the USA. Before joining Safetran he served as Financial Controller for the UK based Westinghouse Rail Systems, a Safetran sister company. Immediately prior to joining Safetran Mr. Kerr held the position of Director of Business Improvement for the Invensys Rail Group. He has a Bachelor of Accountancy degree with Honors from the University of Dundee and is a member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants.

Vice President - Human Resources, Terri Wiethorn. Terri joined Safetran in April 2008 and has over twenty years experience in the manufacturing industry. Her career began in the US Army where she served four years as a munitions specialist in domestic and international locations. Following her military assignment, Terri accepted a position in the aircraft engines manufacturing industry in the legal department where she held several roles within the Labor & Employment Law department, including program responsibilities for Equal Employment Opportunity and Alternative Dispute Resolution. She later transitioned into the human resources organization where she held a variety of progressive roles supporting global organizations and employees from manufacturing operations to sales and marketing.

Open & Honest Communication

Safetran mission statement