Barry-Wehmiller, a global provider of industrial and packaging automation, professional services and life sciences services, has announced a change in leadership. Kyle Chapman will serve as CEO in addition to his role as President. Bob Chapman, who has led the company since 1975, will remain Chairman of the Board of Directors and majority shareholder.
The 140-year-old company has been in family hands since 1957. Company founder William A. Chapman took over the reins before his son Bob took over and developed Barry-Wehmiller into a globally active group with more than 12,000 employees and a turnover of over 3.6 billion US dollars. Bob Chapman emphasised that he is now looking forward to passing on the responsibility to his son.
Background of the new CEO
Kyle Chapman has more than 25 years of experience in private equity and operations. He began his career at Bank of America Capital Investors, where he was responsible for investments totalling around USD 300 million. In 2009, together with Barry-Wehmiller, he founded BW Forsyth Partners, an investment company with a current volume of over 850 million US dollars. He later joined the management team as a strategic financial advisor before becoming interim CFO in 2020 and shortly afterwards President of the company.
Continuity and corporate culture
In his new role, Kyle Chapman announced that he would continue the philosophy of „Truly Human Leadership“, which was coined by his father. According to him, a company can be economically successful without losing focus on people and their appreciation. Barry-Wehmiller cited the continuous growth strategy with over 145 acquisitions and the external recognition from international organisations and specialist circles as evidence of this.
Source: Barry-Wehmiller
