Banta Names Streeter CEO

MENASHA, WI—The leadership torch at Banta Corp. has been passed with the announcement that Stephanie A. Streeter has been named president and CEO effective October 1. She assumes the helm from Donald D. Belcher, who will continue to serve as chairman of the board until his retirement in April, 2004.

Streeter, 44, has served as Banta's president and chief operating officer since January 2001. According to Belcher, her promotion is the culmination of a leadership transition that began two years ago.

"Since Stephanie joined Banta in January 2001, she has done an outstanding job of guiding our global operations through a very challenging economic period," Belcher said in a company release. "Her leadership strength, fiscal discipline and commitment to Banta's growth strategy have contributed significantly to the corporation's strong operating performance."

Streeter has taken the fast track to the top of Banta's executive pyramid. She spent 15 years with office products giant Avery Dennison in positions ranging from assistant product manager to group vice president for the company's worldwide office products group. Before joining Banta, the Stanford University product was chief operating officer for idealab!

Building Blocks

"Banta is solidly positioned to maximize growth in all of its markets," Streeter says. "Under Don's leadership, Banta has become a multidimensional industry leader, significantly strengthening its presence in the print sector while rapidly expanding its supply-chain management business on a worldwide scale. His legacy of strategic vision, talent development and global expansion has given us a great platform to build on.

"I am very pleased that as chairman, Don will bring counsel, continuit, and support for me and the entire leadership team until his retirement in 2004," she adds. "I look forward to continuing to benefit from his deep experience and mentorship, as we accelerate Banta's growth and effectively drive the corporation's forward strategy."

Belcher, 63, served as Banta's CEO for nearly eight years. He joined Banta in September 1994 as president and COO, and was appointed CEO in January 1995.

"Banta is strong strategically, operationally and financially," he says. "It is a terrific company, driven by a commitment to integrity and a passion for its customers. For me, it is a great privilege to work with what I believe is the most talented management team in our industry.

"Management development and succession planning are critical and key ingredients in Banta's continuing success," Belcher adds. "I am very proud of our leadership team and especially our new CEO."