Tony Hobart, who had been group vice president for North America for Guardian Industries Corp., left the company last week after 12 and a half years.

The move was made for personal reasons, and he is consulting on an interim basis under the name KLH Consulting.

Hobart told USGNN, "I intend to remain in the glass industry long term as I have 26 years of experience in a variety of areas of the business including sales and marketing, product planning, market development and strategic development."

Hobart said that he left the company with a certain regret but thought it was time for a new direction. "I would like to thank Bill Davidson and Russ Ebeid for the incredible experience I gained and support that was given to me at Guardian Industries. It is a company composed of amazingly talented people that are poised for great success in the future. In addition, I want to thank all of the customers in the glass industry that I met over the years and have come to know personally. The glass industry is like one big family that has touched my life in a deep and meaningful way. I look forward to helping this industry with its challenges in the future."