SUBJECT: Important organizational announcement: Kyle Chapman named CEO of Barry-Wehmiller
BW team members,
It is with a deep sense of pride that I share some important news representing another milestone in the 140-year history of Barry-Wehmiller: Kyle Chapman, my son who joined us 17 years ago to launch our hybrid equity initiative BW Forsyth Partners and five years ago became President of Barry-Wehmiller, is stepping into the role I have held since my father passed away in 1975, Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This change is effective immediately. After serving as CEO for 50 years, I am passing that torch and title on to Kyle but remain Chairman of the Board, majority shareholder, an ad hoc member of the Senior Leadership Team, and a close confidant of Kyle’s.
The decision to recognize Kyle with this senior title was unanimously agreed upon by our Directors during the June Board meeting. And it was an easy decision for all of us to make. Not only does this transition acknowledge the role Kyle has been playing for several years but, moreover, signifies our tremendous confidence in his capability and deep commitment to lead Barry-Wehmiller into the future and sustain its legacy of creating human and economic vibrancy in harmony.
Watch this short video of a conversation between Bob and Kyle Chapman about the CEO transition:
Kyle was named President in 2020 after a suggestion by the Board, who had watched him build BW Forsyth Partners into an $800 million group that leveraged his background and what he had learned of BW’s unique strategies. I wholeheartedly agreed. This time, however, I wanted his promotion to be my suggestion. I wanted Kyle—and ultimately all BW team members—to know that, having served as CEO for the past 50 years, I unequivocally felt Kyle had earned the title, was more than prepared for it, and is the ideal choice to take what I’ve built and elevate it to new heights. The company’s strong performance over the last five years is a testament to his decisive and capable leadership.
I am more than confident that Kyle’s elevation to CEO will allow the company to experience a smooth and fresh approach that blends the best of our past with disciplined step change thinking. This is the path to realizing a level of industry performance that affirms that our unique blend of balanced business model design with a caring culture is the only way to lead an organization that truly cares about all stakeholders. The evolution of the business model and the talent we have developed and attracted to execute it gives us confidence that we can give those in our care a grounded sense of hope for the future!
In Kyle, I see not only the future of Barry-Wehmiller but also the future of business itself—a future where leaders prioritize humanity as much as profitability, where care and compassion are as integral to decision-making as strategy and execution. As he steps fully into this role, I know that our legacy is in good hands, and I feel an immense sense of hope for what lies ahead.
I look forward to continuing to work together as father and son, as two stewards of the lives of our 12,000-plus team members and showing the world that you can create human and economic vibrancy in harmony. I like to say that you can retire from a job, but you cannot retire from a calling. This transition allows me to continue pursuing my calling, focusing on strategy and culture and amplifying our message of the power of caring leadership to the world through the new edition of our book Everybody Matters and our outreach efforts.
Being your CEO and working alongside BW’s team members for 50 years has been one of the greatest joys in my life. Thank you for the opportunity and privilege to serve you.
Please join me in congratulating Kyle for his promotion to CEO and offering your full support. I cannot imagine a more competent, committed or passionate leader to carry on this profound responsibility of a legacy of caring for those we have the privilege to lead. Barry-Wehmiller is in Kyle’s very capable hands and heart!
Sincerely,
Bob Chapman
Chairman, Barry-Wehmiller