Swedish truck maker AB Volvo Tuesday said it has appointed the head of its North American construction equipment operations, Dennis Slagle, as president and chief executive of its American subsidiary Mack Trucks.

Slagle, 53, replaces Paul Vikner, who will retire April 1.

Vikner will remain a member of the Volvo Group Executive Committee until the end of July. He will also become vice chairman of Mack Trucks and continue to work for the Volvo Group in the U.S. as adviser on public affairs issues.

Slagle will also become a new member of Volvo’s Group executive committee.

Volvo acquired Allentown, Pa.-based Mack Trucks in 2001.