Glendale-based Johnson Controls Inc., Wisconsin’s largest publicly traded company, announced today that its board of directors has elected Alex Molinaroli, vice chairman, to serve as the company’s next president and chief executive officer, effective Oct. 1, 2013.
Molinaroli was also elected chairman of Johnson Controls, effective Jan. 1, 2014.
Molinaroli will succeed current CEO Stephen Roell, who will remain chairman until his planned retirement on Dec. 31, 2013, when he will leave the board.
“I am extremely proud of what we’ve accomplished over the past six years during my tenure. I’ve enjoyed my entire 32-year career with Johnson Controls and want to express my appreciation to the Johnson Controls employees and our directors for their support,” Roell said. “It has been an honor to lead and represent the company in the community and with our shareholders.”
Roell, who has been with Johnson Controls since 1982, has served as CEO since October 2007 and chairman since January 2008. During his tenure, the company has grown to record levels with revenues of $41.8 billion in fiscal 2012 and approximately 170,000 global employees.
While he guided the firm through the challenges the economic downturn brought to its core industries, Roell’s primary focus has remained on long-term growth and global market leadership positions in the company’s core businesses. Under his leadership, Johnson Controls has restructured, but also increased its investments in growth strategies and participation in emerging global markets.
Molinaroli joined Johnson Controls’ Building Efficiency business in 1983. During his 30 years with the company, he has held positions of increasing responsibility and was elected a corporate officer in 2004. Molinaroli was appointed vice chairman in January of this year. Prior to that promotion, he served as president of the Power Solutions business since 2007.
“I’m very pleased that Alex will assume the leadership role in the company,” Roell said. “He brings a wealth of experience and knowledge about our businesses and the industries we serve; so I’m confident that he and the team will continue to build Johnson Controls’ global leadership positions. Most importantly, I also know that Alex will sustain the unique culture of the company in terms of our actions, values, and commitment to our customers.”
Molinaroli said, “Our company’s standard for excellence and culture of integrity were built by great leaders who preceded me. Being selected to steward this organization is an honor and privilege that I take very seriously. Steve Roell has truly embodied all that is good about our people and culture, and he has been a great role model for all of us. On behalf of my colleagues around the world, I wish Steve and his wife, Shelagh, all the best in their coming retirement.”
Molinaroli will become the ninth CEO in the company’s 129-year history.
