Core Molding Technologies Promoted Gayford to COO
The manufacturer has named a new chief operating officer to lead its strategic growth and North American operations.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in People
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Core Molding Technologies has promoted Michael J. Gayford to the role of Chief Operating Officer, effective September 28, 2026. Gayford, who joined the Columbus-based firm in 2023, will assume oversight of North American operations, research and development, and program management.
Why it matters
The appointment consolidates operational leadership at a firm with a significant manufacturing footprint in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. By aligning R&D and program management under a single COO, the company is shifting its focus toward centralized operational excellence and growth.
Michael J. Gayford brings over 25 years of manufacturing and engineering experience to the COO position, having served at the Columbus-headquartered company since 2023. His previous roles included Vice President of Operations and Executive Vice President of Operations.
The players
Michael J. Gayford
The new Chief Operating Officer who brings over 25 years of manufacturing and operational leadership experience to his oversight of North American activities.
Core Molding Technologies
A Columbus-based manufacturing firm that specializes in composite products for customers across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Arnold Alanis
The Executive Vice President of Operations in Mexico who now reports to the company's chief operating officer.
The details
In his new capacity, Gayford will manage North American operations and oversee strategic growth initiatives for the company. As part of this organizational change, Executive Vice President of Operations for Mexico, Arnold Alanis, will now report directly to Gayford. This restructuring centralizes authority for research and development under the COO office to streamline product development cycles.
Timeline
March 2023: Michael J. Gayford joined Core Molding Technologies.
2025: Gayford was promoted to Executive Vice President of Operations.
September 28, 2026: Gayford assumed the Chief Operating Officer role.
Market Landscape
This appointment follows the industry-wide trend of manufacturers centralizing operational control to better manage complex North American supply chains. It signals a move toward tighter integration of R&D and field execution, a strategy often employed to boost manufacturing margins.
Operators in the manufacturing sector should monitor how the integration of R&D and operations under a new COO impacts product development timelines. This organizational shift is a signal for peers to review their own reporting structures as supply chain complexities require more unified management.
The takeaway
Centralizing research and development under a single operational lead can provide the agility needed to compete in the regional manufacturing market. Keep an eye on future updates regarding specific program management metrics as the new leadership structure stabilizes.
Further reading
For more on local leadership changes, see People.
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