Layne Christensen to Consolidate Headquarters, Leadership to Houston

Layne Christensen Co. announced that its board of directors has approved the relocation of the company's global corporate headquarters from Mission Woods, Kan., to The Woodlands, a suburb of Houston. The move is expected to commence in spring 2013 and be completed by winter 2013.

The move will involve most executive positions in Layne's corporate leadership, as well as certain other management and staff positions. Most senior executives from Layne's six divisions will ultimately consolidate into the Houston headquarters.

"This decision reflects Layne's commitment to our One Layne operating philosophy, the continuing growth of our business and the evolution of our end markets," said Rene Robichaud, president and CEO of Layne. "Unifying our corporate and divisional leadership into one location will allow us to better coordinate the activities of Layne's approximately 5,000 employees around the world by enhancing collaboration and innovation across divisional, functional, and geographic lines. Houston provides enhanced access to some of the nation's leading energy companies, an important consideration as we build our total water management solutions business for the oil & gas industry.”

Jerry Fanska, Layne's senior vice president, finance, and Jeff Reynolds, executive vce president and COO, have decided not to relocate to Houston. Fanska has announced his retirement from Layne. He has agreed to remain with Layne until his successor is named, and to assist in the transition of responsibilities and the company's relocation to Houston. Reynolds will resign his positions effective Jan. 1, 2013, but will remain a member of the board of directors.

The company has engaged the services of Heidrick and Struggles to identify and recruit Fanska's successor.

Reynolds' responsibilities will be assumed by veteran Layne executives David Singleton and Gernot Penzhorn. Effective Jan. 1, 2013, Singleton has been promoted to senior vice president, operations, U.S. and Penzhorn has been promoted to senior vice president, operations, international.

Singleton has more than 30 years of experience in various areas of Layne's operations. He was president of the Water Resources Division since May of 2010, and before that was vice president of Water Resources beginning in 2004. Penzhorn became president of the Mineral Exploration Division beginning in 2011, where he began his career with Layne in 2007.

"I cannot think of two more qualified people than Dave and Gernot to succeed Jeff Reynolds, and I am proud that these executives were promoted from within Layne's own ranks,” Robichaud said. “Dave and Gernot have distinguished themselves during their careers at Layne, and we fully expect them to help lead the company into a bright and prosperous future."

Source: Layne Christensen Co.