Chief Operating Officer leadership takes a new step at Tennant Company as Richard H. (Rusty) Zay assumes the role of Chief Operating Officer on July 1, 2026. Richard H. Zay Expands Leadership Responsibilities Across Tennant Operations
Zay currently serves as Chief Commercial Officer. He has been part of Tennant Company’s leadership team since 2010. Moreover, he brings more than 25 years of experience across sales, marketing, and operations.
In his new position, Zay will oversee global customer-facing business units. He will also lead supply chain operations, manufacturing, research and development, and marketing functions.
Additionally, he will focus on delivering strong financial performance. His priorities include improving efficiency, strengthening collaboration, and creating long-term value across the organization.
Dave Huml, President and Chief Executive Officer of Tennant Company, praised Zay’s leadership and strategic vision.
“Rusty has a proven track record of creating alignment across our business units to drive execution of new and existing strategies,” said Dave Huml, Tennant Company President and Chief Executive Officer. “He is a strategic and innovative thinker who is committed to finding new ways to leverage technology to enhance our organizational efficiency. Importantly, he is deeply committed to customer satisfaction, and to ensuring that Tennant remains a market leader through differentiated service to our customers in every interaction.”
Zay joined Tennant Company in 2010 as Vice President of Global Marketing. Later, he led Americas Sales and Service. He also served as Senior Vice President of Innovation & Technology before becoming Chief Commercial Officer.
Throughout his tenure, Zay helped expand customer channels and market reach. Furthermore, he advanced robotics adoption and supported enterprise operating models that improved profitability.
“Tennant’s leadership position in the industry provides unique opportunities to serve more customers in new and existing markets as we continue to reinvent how the world cleans,” said Zay. “I’m honored to lead a very talented team that is focused on leveraging our recognized capabilities and scale, along with innovative ideas about how to reach and serve our customers, to continue driving our growth strategy.”
The Chief Operating Officer appointment reflects Tennant’s commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and sustained business growth.
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Source: Businesswire
