President/CEO David Kohler has been named Chair of the Board, following the passing of Herbert V. Kohler, Jr., executive chair, on September 3.
Kohler will chair the board of directors and executive committee in addition to his role as CEO, which will include full scope responsibility for the three business groups of Kohler Co. and all enterprise functions.
Kohler has been with the company for over 31 years and has been president/CEO since 2015, having previously served as president and COO since 2009. He is the fourth generation of Kohler family leadership since the company’s inception in 1873, and only the ninth person to lead the company over the last 149 years, according to the company.
“The Board is confident in David’s deep experience, strong leadership, and passion for bold innovation to continue driving our company forward well into the future,” according to a company statement. “David has proven to be an inspiring and forward-thinking leader for our associates around the world, including in times of uncertainty throughout the global financial crisis, the recent COVID-19 pandemic, and a variety of other challenges.
“David understands the importance of developing a strong culture of dedicated associates passionate about innovating, inspiring, and delighting our customers.”
Said Kohler in a statement:
“I learned so much from my father, including a tireless strong work ethic, leading with candor and humility, and always driving to innovate. He believed that you must have passion for whatever you do in life if you want to be successful. Working alongside him for decades showcased the impact of embracing an entrepreneurial spirit, not being afraid to fail, and always striving for accuracy and consistency. He left an indelible mark on me personally and professionally.”
Under David Kohler’s leadership, the company surpassed $8 billion in annual revenues in 2021, it said.
Kohler’s power group has experienced sustained growth globally, it said, both organic and through mergers and acquisitions such as U.K.-based Clarke Energy in 2015. The company continues to broaden its expansion of clean energy and distributed energy options with new products, and the 2021 acquisitions of Curtis Instruments (electric vehicle controls) and Heila Technologies (microgrid software controls).
Source: Kohler Co.
