CRYSTAL LAKE, IL – Vipar Heavy Duty’s board of directors have named the company’s president, Chris Baer, as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Baer assumed the role of president in October of last year, and will be succeeding Steve Crowley, who served as CEO and president for more than 16 years and has officially retired.

“The board adopted a strategic succession plan nearly three years ago to ensure the long-term success of the organization,” said Bill Nolan, chairman of Vipar Heavy Duty. “Assuming the role of CEO was a natural progression for Chris, who has proven to have the experience and vision necessary to succeed in the ever-changing aftermarket and to strategically position VIPAR Heavy Duty and its family of companies for growth both now and into the future.”

In January, Baer implemented a fresh management structure and new leadership roles to help Vipar grasp its aggressive growth goals.

“I appreciate the board’s confidence in my leadership and the talented individuals that support our organization on a daily basis,” said Baer. “As we kickoff ‘G3,’ the third phase in our history, our entire team will play a valuable role as we work to accomplish the initiatives detailed in our ‘Game Plan for Growth.’ Top on our list of priorities is to improve on our execution, which will help increase our speed to market.”