Hospeco Brands Group, a leading distributor of cleaning and hygiene products serving customers in a diverse set of end markets, including healthcare, foodservice, industrial and safety, and facility services, has named Robert Kibbe to its executive team as CEO of Tranzonic Companies and its Hospeco Brands Group. Tom Friedl, CEO since 2015, is remaining with the company as vice chairman of the company’s board of directors. 
 
Kibbe brings over 30 years of experience to the role, spanning diverse markets such as hardware, technology, production assembly, Jan/San, and foodservice. Prior to joining Tranzonic, Kibbe was CEO of Supply Source Enterprises (SSE). Tranzonic acquired certain assets of SSE earlier this year, including the Impact Products and The Safety Zone brands, which have developed industry leading reputations over the past 50+ years. Preceding his role as CEO of Supply Source, Kibbe served as president of Moen Americas, president of Global Power Tools at Apex Tool Group, and president of Levolor. 
 
Friedl will transition to a new role as vice chairman of Tranzonic’s Board of Directors, supporting the business on strategic planning, global supply chain management, and M&A execution, as well as working closely with incoming CEO Kibbe to ensure a smooth transition and best position Tranzonic for its next chapter of growth.  
 
“Bob’s leadership skills will ensure continued growth and profitability for Hospeco Brands Group and Tranzonic,” says Friedl. “The strategic direction of the company remains unchanged. Our core values, goals, and mission remain unchanged. I am thankful to have led Tranzonic over this past decade. Partnering with our customers and vendors, our team at Tranzonic has grown the business while also driving important initiatives and supporting our communities. I look forward to continuing to support Bob and the rest of the organization in my role as Vice Chairman.”
 
The last decade has been a period of unprecedented growth for Tranzonic and Hospeco Brands Group. Kibbe’s executive leadership and keen market sense will help drive a continuation of this trend. In his new role, Kibbe is responsible for leading strategy across Tranzonic’s diverse set of categories, executing an agenda to even better serve customers as a true single source solution, and driving innovation in sales, marketing, and product development. 
 
This transition, long planned for and developed in partnership with the board of directors, helps ensure continuity and a seamless change in leadership, allowing Tranzonic to continue to best serve its customers now and in the future.