Mathias Klein III will retire as chairman of the board of Klein Tools, Lincolnshire, Ill., in June, 2015 but will continue to serve on the company’s board of directors. During his 46-year career with Klein Upon his retirement, after 46 years with the company, current president Thomas R. Klein Sr. will succeed him as chairman. Additionally, Mark Klein, V.P. of domestic sales, and Thomas Klein Jr. (Tom Jr.), general manager of heavy infrastructure, will be promoted and serve as co-presidents of Klein Tools effective January 1, 2015.
During Tom Sr.’s tenure as president since 2006, Klein Tools’ manufacturing has moved forward with major investments, including the new Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center and heat treat facilities in Mansfield, Texas. Also under his leadership, the company has grown through its efforts on international sales and acquisitions in Australia, Mexico and Brazil. In addition, the company has grown with the domestic acquisition of Heritage Cutlery (now Klein Cutlery) and Klein’s joint venture investment with UEI. As chairman, Tom will retain responsibility for finance, legal, corporate development and human resources.
As he ascends to chairman, Mark Klein will assume the new role of president of sales and marketing and will be responsible for global marketing, sales and customer service. He will also manage the company’s cutlery division in New York, Klein Cutlery and Klein Tools de Mexico affiliates. Mark was named V.P. domestic sales in 2012. He has been leading Klein’s domestic sales operations, including the development of strategic marketing initiatives, such as the company’s launch of the camouflage limited-edition pliers and the “Electrician of the Year” programs in 2013.
Thomas Klein Jr., will assume a new role as president of operations and research and development, and will be responsible for Klein Tools’ manufacturing, operations and new product development functions. He will also manage two of the company’s international affiliates, Civitella & Cia in Brazil and Mumme Tools in Australia. He was named general manager of the company’s heavy infrastructure business unit back in 2012. In this role, Tom Jr. managed the unit’s business functions including product development, sales and marketing. He has also been responsible for the company’s manufacturing activities at the company’s soft goods plant in Ft. Smith, Arkansas.
