The Vernon Company, Newton, Iowa, announced that Chris Vernon, president and chief operating officer, has been promoted to president and co-chief executive officer, effective July 1, 2014. He will retain the position of president and continue to be active in daily business operations across all Vernon Company operating divisions. Bill Vernon will continue as the company’s chairman and serve as co-chief executive officer.
Chris Vernon has been with the company since 1987 and has held various responsibilities in sales and marketing. He was appointed to president and chief operating officer in 1999. He is a graduate of Lake Forest Academy, Lake Forest, Ill., and has an undergraduate degree in political science and a master’s degree in business administration (Kellogg Graduate School of Management) from Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill. He worked for Harris/Lanier Corporation for three years prior to joining Vernon Company.
Bill Vernon is the third generation of family management and ownership. He joined the company in 1956 after serving in the U.S. military and began working in sales and marketing. He was named president of The Vernon Company in 1969 and later chairman and CEO after his father’s death in 1974. He has received numerous honors for his dedication to the growth of the promotional product industry.
“This is another step in our orderly succession planning and leadership transition process that has been occurring the past several decades,” said Bill Vernon. “Chris has proven himself as an effective leader during good and tough business cycles. He has also built an outstanding executive and administrative team, which we are very proud of. They have been key in the management and growth of our business in the promotional product and graphics markets.”
For more information, visit www.vernoncompany.com.
