Marketing leadership changes at Apex Tool Group
Apex Tool Group (ATG) has named Rich Mathews its new chief marketing officer to replace the retiring CMO, Bob Heisner.
Mathews is a seasoned global marketing leader with over 30 years of experience in modernizing and growing consumer and commercial brands like Lenox, Irwin, Hilmor and Stanley Bostitch, DeWalt and Amazon, said ATG.
As a member of the executive leadership team, Mathews will report directly to Jim Roberts, CEO.
“Rich brings extensive experience building global brands and creating value. We are confident Rich will lead our brands to an exciting new level for end-users, customers and associates,” said Roberts.
As CMO, said the company, Mathews will focus on accelerating brand-building and extending digital capabilities across ATG’s global portfolio.
“While I am excited to join ATG and continue to build on the great foundation of ATG brands and products, I am most excited to be working alongside a team that is clearly passionate about winning and creating value through building great brands,” said Mathews.
Mathews served as the CMO at Newell Brands, leading global brand development and centers of excellence for insights, advertising, social media, packaging and graphic and industrial design. He also had operating responsibility for the global e-commerce division.
Retiring CMO Heisner joined ATG in July 2016 and was named CMO in October 2020. In his time with ATG, Heisner helped build ATG’s six flagship brands, APEX®, Cleco®, Crescent®, GEARWRENCH®, SATA® and Weller®.
“What a privilege it has been to work with this team. The changes that have taken place over the past six years are truly amazing. It is bittersweet to leave this incredible team, but I know they are in great hands, and 2022 should be another breakthrough year,” said Heisner.
Apex Tool Group, based in Sparks, Md., is a global manufacturer and supplier of high-performance hand and power tools, tool storage, drill chucks, chain and electrical soldering products for industrial, commercial and demanding do-it-yourself applications.