Iscar Tools promotes two long-time employees

February 3, 2021
News Release
Cutting Tools

Thomas Hagan

Iscar Tools, Oakville, Ont., has promoted two long-time employees to executive positions.

Thomas Hagan becomes general manager, replacing Ronnie O’Byrne, and Joe Leighton has been promoted to the new position of vice-president of business development and marketing operations.

Hagan previously held roles with the company in technical support, sales, product management, and regional management.

“Being announced as the new general manager of Iscar Tools has been the pinnacle of a lengthy, successful career. I would celebrate this accomplishment alongside my colleagues and peers,” said Hagan. “Being involved with Iscar, a leading technical and innovative company with a solid, structured organization, truly is rewarding both personally and professionally. I plan to continue building on the powerful legacy with our team that is so supportive, not just to each other, but to our customers who take on new directions and challenges as our industry continues to evolve.”

Leighton previously was commercial marketing manager for the company.

“I’m extremely proud to be part of Iscar, a prodigious organization that is continually at the forefront of innovation. For me, this new position is going to be a marvelous experience in which I can continue to build on the brilliance of those colleagues, both past and present, that I have spent years closely learning from,” said Leighton.

Leaving Iscar after 35 years is O’Byrne, a well-respected tooling expert and manager.

After holding senior management positions with the company in Ireland and the U.K., O’Byrne moved to Canada in 2007 to lead the company’s efforts here.

“I’m proud to be leaving the company in the competent hands of Tom and Joe. They have been my right-hand men for years and, between the two of them, they have a great understanding of the technical, service, sales, and marketing of the company,” said O’Byrne. “They both have great contacts and relationships with the executives in Israel, and I expect them to be successful in their new positions for years to come.”