Apex Tool Group Taps Former STIHL and Stanley B&D Leader as CEO

Apex Tool Group — a Charlotte, NC-based manufacturer of professional hand and power tools — announced June 1 that Chris Keffer has been appointed Chief Executive Officer and a member of the company’s Board of Directors. Keffer succeeds Jim Roberts, who had served as CEO since 2016.

Keffer most recently was President and CEO of STIHL Inc., where he led the brand’s strategic direction, commercial leadership and P&L responsibility across North America. Apex said STIHL Inc. has more than $2.5 billion in revenue and about 2,700 employees in the region.

At STIHL, Keffer oversaw expansion of the company’s e-commerce platform and go-to-market channels with independent servicing dealers, while delivering above-market growth over the past three years in categories including handheld outdoor equipment, mowers and aftermarket products.

Before joining STIHL, Keffer spent 27 years at Stanley Black & Decker in senior roles across global brand development, product innovation and commercial leadership in the company’s Power Tools and Power Tools Accessories divisions. He also serves as an independent director of Trex Company and previously held board-level experience with the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute.

“Apex Tool Group has built an outstanding portfolio of trusted brands with deep customer relationships and an unwavering reputation for quality and performance,” Keffer said in the announcement. “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.”

Apex’s brand portfolio includes GEARWRENCH, Crescent, SATA, Cleco, Weller and APEX. The company serves markets including industrial, hardware, aerospace, motor vehicles, electronics, energy and consumer retail.

Alongside Keffer’s appointment, Apex said board member Robert Raff will move into the newly-created role of Non-Executive Vice Chairman, working with Keffer and the management team on strategy and execution. Raff previously spent more than 30 years at Stanley Black & Decker, most recently as Chief Commercial Officer and Chief Marketing Officer for Stanley Tools & Outdoor.