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Apex Tool Group, a manufacturer of professional hand and power tools, announced the appointment of Chris Keffer as chief executive officer and member of the board of directors. Keffer most recently served as president and CEO of STIHL Inc. and succeeds Jim Roberts, who has served as CEO since 2016.
“Apex Tool Group has built an outstanding portfolio of trusted brands with deep customer relationships and an unwavering reputation for quality and performance,” Keffer says. “I am honored to join the company and excited to partner with the board and the talented ATG team to accelerate growth, strengthen our market position, invest in innovation and continue delivering differentiated solutions for customers around the world. I believe the company is exceptionally well-positioned for the future, and I look forward to helping shape the next chapter of the business.”
At STIHL, Keffer was responsible for the brand’s strategic direction, commercial leadership and P&L ownership with more than $2.5 billion in revenue and approximately 2,700 employees across North America. He oversaw the significant expansion of the brand’s e-commerce platform and go-to-market channels with independent servicing dealers, delivering above-market growth over the last three years across key categories, including STIHL’s handheld outdoor equipment, mower and aftermarket businesses, earning the Ace Hardware Vendor of the Year award in 2023.
“Chris is a highly accomplished operator with deep industry expertise, a global commercial mindset and a proven ability to lead and scale world-class brands,” says Patrick Bartels, chairman of the board of Apex Tool Group. “His extensive experience across the professional tools and outdoor equipment sectors, combined with his track record of delivering operational and financial performance and driving innovation and growth, makes him exceptionally well-positioned to lead Apex Tool Group into its next phase. We are confident he is the right leader to build on the company’s strong foundation and capitalize on the significant opportunities ahead.”
