Richard Deister
Deister Machine Co. promoted Richard Deister to executive vice president. According to the company, Richard’s promotion represents the fourth generation of Deister leadership at the family-owned company.
Richard has worked at the company for 30 years. He began his career at Deister as an assembler in its machine shop and eventually became a service technician, where he worked with producers to install and fine tune equipment.
In 1990, Richard became Deister’s service manager; in 2002, he was named director of customer relations, parts and service; and in 2007, he became the president of that department and joined the company’s executive board of directors. Richard is also a member of the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association and is the immediate past chair of the association’s Manufacturing Services Division.
“Rich has a proven track record for successfully leading large-scale initiatives and driving innovation,” says Irwin Deister Jr., chairman for Deister. “His leadership skills are well suited to overseeing all operations of the company. As part of our strategic vision, his promotion to executive vice president will further poise our company for long-term growth and will build upon our legacy of manufacturing excellence.”
The company was founded by Emil Deister, who served as its president and general manager from 1912 until his death in 1961. Following Emil’s death, his son, Irwin Deister Sr., joined the company and eventually became president and chairman until his death in 1988. His brother, Emil Deister Jr., worked at the company from 1926 until his death in 1984 and also served as chairman after his father’s death. Irwin Deister Jr., son of Irwin Sr., joined the company in 1951 and is now its chairman and comptroller. E. Mark Deister, son of Emil Jr., has been active since 1963 and is the current president and treasurer.