CLT Alliance names new CEO — a leader with experience in consumer goods
After a year of searching, the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance has a new leader.
Robert McCutcheon, the former president of Husqvarna North America, is now the CEO of the Charlotte region’s main economic development group, according to a news release.
McCutcheon succeeds Andrea Smith, who was hired as interim CEO in May. The position was left vacant in April when Janet LaBar, the alliance’s first CEO after the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce and the Charlotte Regional Partnership merged, resigned unexpectedly after a five-year tenure.
McCutcheon’s executive leadership spans more than 35 years, according to the release. He also has decades of experience in the consumer-packaged goods sector, the release added. He last served as CEO of Husqvarna, a Swedish-based manufacturer of residential and commercial outdoor power equipment.
He was also the former president and managing director for Britax Child Safety in Fort Mill, a manufacturing company that produces infant carriers and child car seats.
McCutcheon will start as CEO for the alliance next week.
Switch ups at the alliance
Besides McCutcheon, the alliance has seen a busy year in leadership changes.
The alliance recently brought on Tracy Dodson as the organization’s new chief operating officer and head of economic development.
Dodson is the former assistant city manager.
While Smith is stepping out of the interim role, she will remain with the alliance as a strategic advisor.
