REGIONAL PEOPLE
* The Ryland Group Inc., Woodland Hills, announced several promotions and appointments. Cathey S. Lowe has been named vice president and treasurer. David L. Fristoe has been promoted to senior vice president from vice president in addition to his current role as controller and chief accounting officer. Rene L. Mentch has been promoted to vice president, tax.
Within Ryland’s marketing department, Eric E. Elder has been promoted to senior vice president, marketing. Jill M. Geimer has joined the company as vice president, human resources for Ryland Mortgage Co.
Ryland builds homes and provides mortgage financing in 21 markets across the country.
* Kenneth L. Kahrs has been promoted to executive vice president, human resources, Universal Studios, the company announced. He will continue to oversee all corporate human resources functions including employee benefits and compensation, management development and human resources information systems. Kahrs came to Universal in 1996 from Viacom Inc., where he served as vice president, human resources.
* Clark R. Decker has been named vice president of strategy with Need2Buy.com Inc., Westlake Village, the company said. Decker had been senior manager of supply chain strategy with Andersen Consulting LLP.
The company is a business-to-business online marketplace for buyers and sellers of electronic components.
* Ramin Sadr has been appointed chief technology officer for ACT Networks, Calabasas, the company said. He will be responsible for coordinating and enhancing research and development, marketing and sales. Sadr was the president, chief executive officer and founder of Telecom Multimedia Systems Inc.
ACT Networks develops and manufactures multi-service access products for data networks and telecommunications.
* Luigi-Theo Calabrese has been appointed senior vice president, Walt Disney Records Europe, Middle East and Africa, according to Disney Records Worldwide, Burbank.
He will be based in Paris and will develop product and marketing strategies for the region. Calabrese had served as chairman and chief executive officer of LTC/Tristar, a joint venture record label distributed by Sony Music France.
