Novae Announces Leadership Transition: Manish Bhandari Appointed as New CEO
Left to right: Chris Storie, Executive Vice Chair; Manish Bhandari, CEO
Markle, IN, Jan 15, 2024 — Novae LLC (“Novae”), one of the fastest-growing trailer manufacturers in North America and a Brightstar Capital portfolio company, is excited to announce a planned leadership transition. Manish Bhandari will take the helm as Chief Executive Officer, effective January 15, succeeding Chris Storie.
Manish brings more than three decades of experience in managing, integrating, and growing large-scale domestic and global manufacturing businesses. Most recently, he served as CEO of Current, a manufacturer of lighting solutions with over $1 billion in annual sales. Prior to Current, Manish worked for Emerson Electric for 17 years, ultimately establishing and evolving the discrete automation business into a $2 billion global platform through organic growth, and consolidation of multiple acquisitions. He has also worked globally with The Timken Company, focused on the automotive and mobile industrial segment.
"I am thrilled to join Novae, a company renowned for its commitment to quality and innovation in manufacturing,” said Mr. Bhandari. “My focus will be on leveraging our strengths to further elevate our market position and deliver outstanding value to our customers and stakeholders. I look forward to working with Chris, Steve, the Novae team, and Brightstar to drive sustainable growth and continue the company's legacy of excellence."
Novae founders Steve Bermes and Chris Storie will continue to play a vital role in Novae's future as Executive Vice-Chairs of the board, fully committed to the ongoing growth and evolution of Novae.
"Steve and I have dedicated our professional lives to Novae, and we are confident that under Manish's leadership, the company will achieve new milestones,” said Mr. Storie. “His vast experience and leadership skills are exactly what Novae needs as it enters this new chapter. I am excited to support Manish and the team in my new role."
“This leadership transition marks an important evolution for Novae,” said Matt Allard, Board Chair of Novae and Partner at Brightstar Capital Partners, majority owner of Novae. “We are grateful to Chris and Steve for their outstanding leadership and believe that Manish’s experience in driving growth at leading manufacturing companies will help Novae continue to flourish moving forward.”
About Novae
Headquartered in Markle, IN, Novae LLC is a leading trailer manufacturer, operating distinct brands including Sure-Trac, H&H Trailers, CAM Superline, Trailerman, ITI Cargo, Midsota, Pace American, and LOOK Trailers. Founded in 1995, Novae has grown to become the second largest trailer manufacturer and largest enclosed trailer manufacturer in North America with more than 20 manufacturing facilities and an active dealer network of more than 1,000 partners. To learn more about Novae, please visit novaecorp.com.