Key Corporate Services Recruits CEO for AmericanHort
June 22, 2016 – Executive search firm Key Corporate Services has placed Ken Fisher as president and chief executive officer of AmericanHort. David Savoia, former interim president and CEO of the company, stepped down from his position to pursue other interests. Todd Downing, a partner at Key Corporate Services, led the assignment.
“The search committee has worked very hard in conjunction with our search firm to determine ideal characteristics for a new CEO,” said search committee chair Susie Raker. “Key Corporate Services has done a fantastic job finding valid candidates that fit the profile developed by the search committee.”
Mr. Fisher has 20 years of experience leading public and privately-held companies, including iconic consumer brands with The Coleman Company and Elmer’s Products. His diverse business experience is expected to further the vision and strategy of AmericanHort while bringing proven organizational management acumen to the role.
“We know the industry values our advocacy work and educational programs, especially Cultivate. Ken’s expertise will assist us in enhancing existing offerings, while adding new value that will broaden our membership,” said Dale Deppe, AmericanHort board chairman. “The pace of change in our industry is rapid, and he has experience successfully leading organizations through both business and regulatory cycles. Ken’s business growth track record is exactly what AmericanHort needs as we enter our next chapter, which I am confident will be even more impactful and exciting than our last.”
AmericanHort was formed in 2014 by the consolidation of the American Nursery & Landscape Association and OFA – The Association of Horticulture Professionals. AmericanHort supports nearly 16,000 member and affiliated businesses that include breeders, greenhouse and nursery growers, garden retailers, distributors, interior and exterior landscape professionals, florists, students, educators, researchers, manufacturers, and others who are part of the industry market chain.
Key Corporate Services, founded in 2000, provides search and consulting services to major companies in the U.S. and around the world. Industries served include finance and accounting, pharmaceuticals & biotech, oil & gas, manufacturing & engineering, consumer products & horticulture, industrial chemicals, and food ingredients.
Mr. Downing is quite familiar searching for leaders in the horticultural field: He recruited the CEO for a lawn and garden products manufacturer and provider; the president of a product development / manufacturing company in the lubricant and solvent industry; and an executive director for a soybean farmers organization.
Contributed by Dale M. Zupsansky, Managing Editor, Hunt Scanlon Media
