SPOKANE VALLEY, WA – Keytronic has announced the appointment of Brett R. Larsen to succeed Craig D. Gates as the company’s president and CEO, effective June 30.

Larsen, who has served as the Key Tronic's executive vice president of administration, CFO and treasurer since July 2015, joined the company in May 2004 and has assumed ever-increasing roles and responsibilities over the past 20 years. Gates will retire from the company on June 30 but expects to remain a member of the its board of directors. The company also announced that Tony Voorhees will be promoted to EVP of administration, CFO and treasurer on the same day.

In addition, Patrick Sweeney retired from the board and his role as chairman on Jan. 4, and in his stead, the board has nominated director Ronald F. Klawitter to act as chairman until the next annual meeting of the shareholders. The board also welcomed Cheryl Berenak, founding member and CEO of Clearfield Communications, to the board on Jan. 4.

"On behalf of the board of directors and the entire company, I want to thank Craig for his tremendous leadership and numerous accomplishments during his 30 years of dedicated service to Keytronic," Sweeney said. "During Craig’s tenure as president and CEO, the last fifteen years, the Company has more than tripled its revenue; more than doubled its facility space; opened a new factory in DaNang, Vietnam; developed a world-class design engineering department; and launched dozens of new products in each of its factories. Craig has mentored and created a very strong management team and led the company through a period of unprecedented growth. I am excited about Craig’s opportunity to continue to serve on the Board of Directors and look forward to his continuing contributions to the company’s success.

"Craig has done a tremendous job preparing Brett for his role as CEO by increasing his responsibilities over the years to expose him to aspects of the company that are well beyond the typical finance functions. The company is well prepared for this leadership transition, and the board remains highly confident in Brett’s ability to create long-term value for our shareholders."

"It has been a privilege and an honor to be a part of the Keytronic team for the past 30 years and to serve as its president and CEO for the past fifteen years," Gates said. "I am supported by a talented and dedicated team and will cherish the friendships and memories and look forward to continuing my service on the board. I am pleased the board has elected Brett to succeed me upon my retirement. During my tenure, Brett and I have worked very closely, and he has been a critical member of the management team and strategies over the years. I am confident Brett and his team will continue to execute our strategic plan and take the company to new heights. The board and I believe Brett is the right person to lead Keytronic through its next chapter."

"I am honored and excited to be chosen as the next president and CEO of Keytronic," Larsen said. "I thank Craig for his tremendous leadership, vision and mentorship, and the board for their confidence, guidance and support. We have a tremendous team at Keytronic, and I am looking forward to working alongside them to chart our path forward for the benefit of our employees, customers, and shareholders."

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