PBI-Gordon undergoes executive leadership transition

SHAWNEE, Kan. –The Board of Directors of PBI-Gordon Corporation announced Donald Chew will become executive chairman of the board and W.E. Mealman will become chairman emeritus. Steve Clifford will become president and chief executive officer of PBI-Gordon and its subsidiaries Pet-Ag and Pegasus Laboratories. These changes will become effective on Nov. 1, 2020.

Clifford brings experience in management and business from his 33 years with Ernst & Young, the last 16 as managing partner of the Kansas City office. After his retirement from Ernst & Young in 2015, he joined PBI-Gordon’s Board in 2015 and became chief operating officer in 2018.

“We are confident that, through Steve’s leadership, PBI-Gordon will continue to grow and excel,” Mealman said. “The board has spent considerable time over the past five years on this succession plan. That, and our history of strong leadership, positions the company well for continued growth and success.”

In his new role, Chew will remain closely involved with the overall business, including the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). He joined PBI-Gordon in 1991 as chief financial officer and served seven years as president of Pegasus Laboratories. In 2012, Chew became president and CEO of PBI-Gordon Corporation.

“Don has raised the bar and enhanced the image of PBI-Gordon. Under his leadership, the company has skyrocketed in terms of both profitability and people,” Mealman said. “His personal sacrifices, knowledge of our business, industry expertise and unique ability to bring people together have been major factors in PBI-Gordon’s success.”

Mealman will remain a member of the Board. He joined PBI-Gordon in 1951 and became majority owner in 1977. Mealman’s played a key role in the formation of the ESOP and the ESOP’s ultimate 100 percent ownership.

“Words cannot begin to account for all of Mr. Mealman’s many contributions during his 69 years with PBI-Gordon,” Chew said. “He’s a visionary who first put PBI-Gordon on the map with the acquisition of Trimec, the leading broad-leaf herbicide in the turf and ornamental markets. He led the expansion of the company’s portfolio through the strategic acquisitions of Pegasus Laboratories, PRN Pharmacal and Pet-Ag.”