Leading family-owned manufacturer announces new leadership.

Napoleon, North America's largest privately-owned manufacturer of quality fireplaces, gourmet grills, outdoor living products, and furnaces and air conditioners, is pleased to announce the promotion of Christopher Schroeter and Stephen Schroeter to co-chief executive officers, effective immediately. With the transition, the company continues its legacy as a multi-generational, family-run business.

Employees of Napoleon for 18 and 15 years respectively, Christopher and Stephen succeed the company’s founders, their parents, Wolfgang Schroeter, chief executive officer, and Ingrid Schroeter, chief financial officer, who have been leading Napoleon for the past 40 years. Most recently, Christopher served as senior vice-president of operations, research and development, and Stephen as senior vice-president of sales, marketing and administration for the company.

“My dream for Napoleon was to manufacture products with the most advanced features on the market, yet make them attainable to a wide range of consumers,” said Wolfgang Schroeter. “We have achieved that goal and continue to innovate as we have expanded globally over the years. Christopher and Stephen have played significant roles in navigating the company through that expansion and I am eager to watch them build upon that momentum as we look to the future of Napoleon.”

Wolfgang and Ingrid will remain active in the company through their assistance on special projects and roles on Napoleon’s Advisory Board, and will work closely with the leadership team during the transition. In their new roles, the co-CEOs will continue driving the company’s success creating quality products that help enhance the most memorable experiences people enjoy in their homes.

Christopher and Stephen will continue to direct the company actively and work closely with the Founders and Napoleon’s president, Ron McArthur, while remaining involved in the overall sustainability and financial success of the company. As co-CEOs, each will assume a critical role in directing their aforementioned designated departments, helping to align strategic planning with evolving economic and market demands. McArthur’s role and responsibilities will include implementing strategies and leading, managing, and directing Napoleon in its daily business operations. He will focus on the execution of established strategies and implement objectives concerning every part of the business.

“This is an exciting milestone in our succession plan with a focus on the future, helping strengthen Napoleon’s long-term strategic goals: growing our global footprint while maintaining our position as one of the top-tier manufacturers of home comfort products,” added Wolfgang.

About the Napoleon Group of Companies:

Napoleon is North America's largest privately-owned manufacturer of quality gas, electric, and wood fireplaces, gourmet gas and charcoal grills, outdoor living products, and a complete line of furnaces and air conditioners.

The company, with main operations in Crittenden, Kentucky, and Barrie, Ontario, began in 1976 when a small steel fabrication business launched by Wolfgang Schroeter started manufacturing steel railings. Since then, Napoleon's commitment to producing quality products, combined with honest, reliable service, has been the successful framework for the rapid growth of the company, which now operates out of multiple facilities worldwide comprising 1.4 million sq. ft. of space, and employs more than 1,400 associates.

Ron McArthur
Email or call (705) 721-1212
www.napoleonproducts.com