BARRIE, Ontario — Napoleon, a privately owned manufacturer of fireplaces, gourmet grills, outdoor living products, and furnaces and air conditioners, announced the promotion of Christopher Schroeter and Stephen Schroeter to co-CEOs, effective immediately. With the transition, the company continues its legacy as a multi-generational, family-run business.

Employees of Napoleon for 18 and 15 years respectively, Christopher Schroeter and Stephen Schroeter succeed the company’s founders, their parents, Wolfgang Schroeter, CEO, and Ingrid Schroeter, chief financial officer, who have been leading Napoleon for the past 40 years. Most recently, Christopher Schroeter served as senior vice-president of operations, research, and development, and Stephen Schroeter as senior vice-president of sales, marketing, and administration for the company.

“My dream for Napoleon was to manufacture products with the most advanced features on the market, yet make them attainable to a wide range of consumers,” said Wolfgang Schroeter. “We have achieved that goal and continue to innovate as we have expanded globally over the years. Christopher and Stephen have played significant roles in navigating the company through that expansion and I am eager to watch them build upon that momentum as we look to the future of Napoleon.” 

Wolfgang and Ingrid Schroeter will remain active in the company through their assistance on special projects and roles on Napoleon’s advisory board, and will work closely with the leadership team during the transition. In their new roles, the co-CEOs will continue driving the company’s success creating quality products that help enhance the most memorable experiences people enjoy in  their homes. 

Christopher Schroeter and Stephen Schroeter will continue to direct the company actively and work closely with the founders and Napoleon’s president, Ron McArthur, while remaining involved in the overall sustainability and financial success of the company. As co-CEOs, each will assume a critical role  in directing their aforementioned designated departments, helping to align strategic planning with evolving economic and market demands. McArthur’s role and responsibilities will include implementing strategies and leading, managing, and directing Napoleon in its daily business operations. He will focus on the execution of established strategies and implement objectives concerning every part of the business. 

“This is an exciting milestone in our succession plan with a focus on the future, helping strengthen Napoleon’s long-term strategic goals: growing our global footprint while maintaining our position as one of the top-tier manufacturers of home comfort products,” added Wolfgang. 

Publication date: 8/21/2018