Accuride announced Monday that it has realigned its organization and upgraded its leadership team to support the company’s plans to grow as a supplier of wheel-end products to the global commercial vehicle industry.

Over the past four years, a once-struggling Accuride has "repositioned itself as a strategic and competitive business partner" capable of supporting the needs of key OEM customers in markets around the globe, the company says.

Previously a North American company only, Accuride recently acquired a majority stake in Italian steel-wheel manufacturer Gianetti Ruote S.r.l., in partnership with CLN S.p.A., as the first step in its expansion as a global supplier.

Scott D. Hazlett has been promoted to president, Wheels, continuing to report to President and CEO Rick Dauch. Hazlett will be responsible for integrating the Gianetti Ruote joint venture and leading the global growth of Accuride’s Wheels business. He previously had served as senior VP of operations, leading the operational restructuring and upgrade of the Gunite business, and the expansion of capacity and capability of Accuride’s steel and aluminum wheel business in North America. Hazlett joined Accuride in October 2011 following leadership roles in the agricultural and transportation industries and as a partner with an industrial turnaround specialist.

Gregory A. Risch has been promoted to president, Gunite, as part of Accuride’s executive leadership development and succession plan, and will continue reporting to Dauch. Risch will lead the restructured and resurgent Gunite business following capital investments and adoption of LEAN manufacturing systems. He has been the company's chief financial officer since October 2011 and held several other leadership positions during his 21-year Accuride career.

Michael A. Hajost will join Accuride as senior VP and CFO, also reporting to Dauch, effective Nov. 30. Until then, Greg Risch will continue serving as CFO as he transitions into leading the Gunite business unit. Hajost has more than 20 years of experience in global financing and treasury operations in both public and private-equity environments.  He comes to Accuride having recently completed a seven-year tenure leading the Treasury and Investor Relations functions for Carpenter Technology Corp., a $2.3 billion revenue international alloys and engineered products manufacturer in Reading, Pa.