CHARLOTTE, N.C.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Columbus McKinnon Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCO), today announced the appointment of Chris J. Stephens Jr. to its Board of Directors effective immediately. Stephens will also serve as a member of the Audit Committee and Human Capital, Compensation and Succession Committee leveraging his 35 years of experience in financial and operational leadership.
“We’re pleased to add Chris’s skills and experience to our talented Board as we continue to execute on our transformation and growth strategy,” said David Wilson, President and Chief Executive Officer. “In addition to Chris’s wide breadth of experience, he brings a deep and proven track record of executing business transformations and growing businesses both organically and through M&A in attractive end markets. His background and leadership are a great complement to our Board’s existing transformational and financial expertise, and we believe he will be an important asset to our team as we advance our journey.”
Stephens is a seasoned, global industrial leader and most recently served as the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Sealed Air Corporation. Prior to joining Sealed Air, Stephens served as the SVP and Chief Financial Officer of Barnes Group. In his roles as Chief Financial Officer, he was a critical leader driving strategic transformation to deliver growth and operating leverage.
“I am thrilled to partner with David and the Board to support the advancement of Columbus McKinnon’s strategy. The team is executing on its transformation to become a global leader in intelligent motion solutions and has made notable progress leveraging its proven playbook for growth and delivering operating efficiency and margin expansion,” said Stephens. “CMCO’s differentiated strategy and market positioning has already made it a formidable player in the category, and I’m excited to contribute to the advancement of the Company’s strategic agenda and financial goals.”
Stephens also served in a variety of Finance leadership roles at both Boeing and Honeywell. Through these roles, he has demonstrated his extensive industrial expertise, operational capabilities, and financial acumen. He earned a master’s in business degree from Virginia Tech’s Pamplin School of Business and a bachelor’s degree in accounting from King’s College.
Stephens also serves on the Board of Directors of PGT Innovations and as a member of Fairfield University’s Dolan School of Business Advisory Board. Previously, he served as Chair of the Manufacturers Alliance CFO Council, was a member of the Connecticut Business Industry Association Board of Directors and was a member of Loyola Marymount University’s Business School Advisory Board.
In connection with Stephens’ appointment, the Columbus McKinnon Board now consists of nine members including eight independent members.
About Columbus McKinnon
Columbus McKinnon is a leading worldwide designer, manufacturer and marketer of intelligent motion solutions that move the world forward and improve lives by efficiently and ergonomically moving, lifting, positioning, and securing materials. Key products include hoists, crane components, precision conveyor systems, rigging tools, light rail workstations, and digital power and motion control systems. The Company is focused on commercial and industrial applications that require the safety and quality provided by its superior design and engineering know-how. Comprehensive information on Columbus McKinnon is available at www.cmco.com.
