E&S revamps executive team

Evans & Sutherland Computer Corp., based in Salt Lake City, has announced several management changes. Jonathan Shaw has been appointed chief executive officer and a member of the board of directors in connection with the retirement of David Bateman from both positions. Kirk Johnson has been promoted to president and chief operating officer.

Evans & Sutherland Computer Corp., based in Salt Lake City, has announced several management changes.

Jonathan Shaw has been appointed chief executive officer and a member of the board of directors in connection with the retirement of David Bateman from both positions. Kirk Johnson has been promoted to president and chief operating officer.

E&S produces visual display systems used primarily in full-dome video projection applications; dome projection screens; dome architectural treatments; and content for planetariums, schools, science centers, other educational institutions and entertainment venues.

Shaw and Johnson will work together on product and strategy development, marketing and sales, the company said.

“We are extremely pleased that Jon has accepted the role of CEO of E&S,” said L. Tim Pierce, the company’s chairman. “Jon has served as the president of our wholly owned subsidiary, Spitz Inc., for more than 14 years. He has led all of the major initiatives that have resulted in Spitz becoming a world leader in supplying dome projection screens, education-focused planetariums, unique architectural structures and developing opportunities in theme parks.”

Shaw said it is “a privilege to be part of an organization with such a rich history and capability.”

“I look forward to working with the board and the very talented staff at E&S and Spitz to pursue future growth opportunities and to maximize the value of our shareholders’ investment,” Shaw said.

Shaw has held senior-level positions in operations, manufacturing, sales, product management, marketing and general management during his career. He was appointed president and chief executive officer of Spitz in November 2001, where he held various management positions since 1985. Prior to Spitz, Shaw held several engineering positions with Mobil Oil Corp.

Johnson joined E&S in 1990 and held various engineering and management positions prior to being appointed vice president and general manager of E&S’s Digital Theater Division in 2002. Prior to E&S, he worked as an FCC compliance and regulatory engineer and project manager at Communication Certification Laboratory. His education includes a B.S. in electrical engineering and an MBA, both from the University of Utah.

“We congratulate Kirk in his new role at E&S,” Pierce said. “It is very exciting to have him expand his role on our executive management team, which will allow him to utilize the skills, relationships and industry knowledge that he has gained while working at E&S for the last 26 years.”

“I look forward to working with the board, Jon and our employees to continue to provide the exceptional products and services that our customers have come to expect from E&S,” Johnson said. “I am excited to more fully integrate E&S and Spitz in order to consolidate costs, increase profitability and grow our business.”
Pierce said the company is grateful for Bateman’s “steady leadership” during his 10 years as CEO. “Dave has tirelessly worked to resolve many significant challenges faced by the company, including the very important 2014 resolution of the liabilities associated with the company’s pension plan,” Pierce said. “He has been a great leader and colleague and we wish him the best in retirement as he moves to this next phase of his life.”