YORK, PA - Randy Gross, Executive Chairman of the Board, is pleased to announce that Michael J. Kays has accepted the position of RG Group Vice Executive Chairman of the Board, effective April 1st, 2022. In this expanded role with RG Group, Mike will provide support to the CEO and his Senior Leadership Team in business related activities, notably with the implementation of strategic initiatives. In addition, Mike will have responsibilities related to the governance of the Board of Directors as well as ensure the effectiveness of the quarterly Board of Directors meetings. This is the next step of a long-term succession plan as Randy begins to transition his responsibilities as Executive Chairman of RG Group.

Randy explains, “For those who know of Mike, but may not know his background, please allow me to elaborate. Mike grew up in the Finger Lakes region of New York state and attended Alfred University in western New York, graduating with a BS in Business Administration. Mike’s career started with Union Carbide Corp, first in Cleveland and later in Indianapolis, moving though progressive roles as Industrial Engineer, Machining and Welding Group Leader and Procurement Manager. Mike returned to his home state and joined United Technologies/Carrier in the mid-1980s, working as Materials Manager, VP Supply Chain and Plant Manager for the Carrier Transicold Division (CTD). An opportunity to lead a CTD subsidiary, Freezing Equipment Systems (FES), located in York, PA, first brought Mike to the York area as VP of Manufacturing and later as General Manager of Carrier AC Industries. A series of well-planned career moves nicely filled out Mike’s resume and took him from Pennsylvania to stops in Florida and Wisconsin, as a Division President / CEO of three different business units within Carlisle Companies. He was then recruited into the pharmaceutical industry, spending 5 years in California as EVP of Global Supply for ICN/Valeant Pharmaceuticals. Success for Mike was measured not just with financial results, but also with the ability to develop a cohesive organization focused on relationships, people development, and meeting company strategic objectives.

In 2008, Mike “retired” and returned to York where he and his wife Judy still live today. They have two daughters and seven grandchildren. Retirement for Mike means working in different capacities for those he is close to. Mike provides Sales and Commercial leadership for a pharmaceutical company that is owned by a long-time friend. I first met Mike while working on a project together at the Country Club of York, and here recognized that we share personal core values, the meaning of family and the work ethic to get the job done – the right way. Mike has spent the last 8 years serving on RG Group’s Board of Directors as well as mentoring and consulting with members of RG Group’s Leadership Team.

I know that Mike is excited for this new opportunity and that he will continue to make a positive impact on our organization. Please join me in congratulating Mike in his new role with RG Group!”

About RG Group:
RG Group, a group of distribution and manufacturing companies has been providing leadership in the design and delivery of innovative motion control and fluid handling products and solutions for over 60 years. RG Group operates under a very simple core concept: “We Keep Business in Motion”. The company goal is to provide its customers with a sustainable competitive advantage through the creative application of technology in the robotics, automation, hydraulic, pneumatic, electromechanical and process markets.

RG Group’s headquarters is located in York, PA, with stores, branches and distribution service areas on the East Coast including PA, NY, NJ, DE, MD, WV, VA, ME, VT, NH, MA, OH, RI and CT.

For additional information, visit www.rg-group.com or contact info@rg-group.com.