Cherokee Promotes Patel to EVP of Global Operations

Cherokee International LLC (Tustin, CA), a manufacturer of switch-mode power supplies, announced it has promoted Mukesh Patel to Executive Vice President of Global Operations. Patel replaces Clark Hickock, who recently left the company to pursue other interests closer to his home in San Diego.

Patel has served as Cherokee's Vice President of Information Technology since August 1996. Prior to that, he served as Vice President of Operations at Bikor Corp. until Cherokee acquired substantially all of the assets of Bikor. In his new position, Patel will continue to report directly to the president and chief executive officer. He will oversee manufacturing operations and manage Cherokee's global supply chain for facilities located in the United States, Mexico, Belgium, India and China.

"Over the past year, Mr. Patel has worked very closely with our operations team to implement new processes and procedures that will contribute to the efficient performance of our manufacturing operations," said Cherokee President and Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey Frank. "His strong understanding of our global operations will bring added value to Cherokee for years to come."