Wabtec Corp. recently announced two executive appointments designed to strengthen the company’s management team and position Wabtec for future growth and strategic expansion.

Raymond T. Betler has joined the company as a vice president and group executive, and a corporate officer, with responsibility for the company’s transit business units. Betler, 52, has 30 years of experience in the transportation industry, most recently as the president of Total Transit Systems for Bombardier Transportation.

In addition, Charles F. Kovac, will assume responsibility for Wabtec’s freight business units, as a vice president and group executive, and a corporate officer. Kovac, 52, joined Wabtec as a group executive in 2007 and has helped to lead the integration of Ricon and the acquisition of POLI for the Transit Group.

“These appointments are important steps in the future growth and strategic expansion of Wabtec, as we continue to strengthen our management team,” said Albert J. Neupaver, Wabtec’s president and chief executive officer. “Ray and Chuck have successful executive track records, including significant international experience, strong leadership skills and strategic know-how that will benefit Wabtec in the years ahead.”

A Pittsburgh native, Betler has degrees in electrical engineering, administration/management science and economics from Carnegie Mellon University. He joined the Westinghouse Transportation Division as a design engineer in 1979 and was named president of the unit, which became part of Bombardier Transportation, in 1994. In that position, he led a team that launched the London Underground concession project in 2003. Betler and his wife have three sons, one grandson and live in South Park, Pa.

Kovac, a native of Dayton, Ohio, has a degree in mechanical engineering from Colorado State University. Prior to joining Wabtec, he spent four years with AMETEK as vice president and general manager of its Global Household and Specialty Motors Division. Previously, he was with Woodward Governor for 12 years, most recently as vice president and general manager of its Industrial Controls Group. He and his wife have three daughters and a son, and live in Allison Park, Pa.