Exel appoints new U.S. business development manager  

Exel Composites has appointed Erik Grimnes as our new business development manager to support the continued expansion across North America. Based in Maine, Grimnes brings more than two decades of experience developing composites applications for civil engineering, transportation, and marine infrastructure projects. In his new role at Exel, he will work closely with customers across the US and Canada to identify opportunities where composite solutions can deliver long-term performance benefits.

In the early 2000s, Grimnes co-founded Harbor Technologies, a composites manufacturing company specializing in marine and civil infrastructure solutions. Working alongside his family, Grimnes grew the company, expanding from a small start-up into a provider of high-performance composite pilings, bridge beams, fendering systems, and custom marine structures.  

Reaching considerable size, Harbor Technologies was acquired by Kenway Composites, now Creative Composites Group, where Grimnes maintained his position as a business development manager. He later worked with a joint venture project between Norwegian ferry manufacturer Brødrene Aa and U.S.-based shipyard Front Street Shipyard, helping to introduce advanced carbon fiber technology to local marine transport.  

“Throughout my career, I’ve helped customers find efficient composite solutions to their challenges,” said Grimnes. “I look forward to doing this for a new community at Exel, and I hope to earn their trust by supporting them to reach their business goals,” he added.  

Grimnes will report to Francesco Ierullo, vice president of sales and marketing. “North America presents significant growth potential for Exel,” Ierullo said. “With our factory in Erlanger, Kentucky, local R&D capabilities and an experienced U.S. team, we are well positioned to support customers across the region. Not only will Erik be an important asset for our existing customers, his background in civil and marine applications strengthens our technical expertise in target markets,” he added. 

Grimnes’ first interaction with Exel goes back almost 30 years. As a competitive cross-country skier, he purchased a pair of Exel carbon fiber ski poles in Norway in 1993, and still uses them today, making him both a long-standing customer and a valuable new member of Exel’s team.  

To learn more about Exel’s diverse composite solutions, connect with Erik Grimnes on LinkedIn.