News

147 Year Old Betts Company names Bill Betts as 7th President

Fresno, Calif. – (April 7, 2015) – Betts Company announced the appointment of Bill Betts to a newly created position of president and chief operating officer (COO).  Mike Betts, formerly president of Betts Company, will actively continue in the business as chairman of the board of directors and chief executive officer (CEO).
 

With this appointment Bill Betts becomes the seventh president of Betts Company, founded by William Michael Betts in San Francisco, Calif. in 1868.  Betts Company has been owned and led by members of the Betts family without interruption throughout its rich 147 year history and continues to reflect the passion and values of the Betts family. In addition to Mike and Bill Betts, Don Devany (senior vice president, Betts Company ), Joe Devany (director of operations, Betts Spring Manufacturing and BettsHD) and John Devany (sales manager, Betts Truck Parts and Service) are Betts family members actively involved in leadership of this six generation family business.
 

“This is a proud day for our family and our company,” said Mike Betts. “Like all leaders at Betts Company, Bill has earned this opportunity by his passionate commitment to our associates, customers and suppliers. He is an excellent example of living our Seven Core Values and embodies ‘Improving the Way Things Move.’  Bill’s appointment provides all Betts Company team members – past and present – an opportunity to reflect on the very special accomplishment of sustaining and growing a family business for nearly one hundred and fifty years.”
 

“I am humbled and grateful for the confidence and trust placed in me today,” stated Bill Betts. “Leading Betts Company has been a lifelong goal and I am excited by the opportunity to help Betts pursue its next phase of growth and excellence. I have great respect and appreciation for every associate who has played a part in the history of our company and look forward to serving them in the years to come.”
 

Bill Betts joined Betts Company in June, 2007 after a successful two year stint with Protiviti Inc., an international risk and business consulting firm.  He joined Protiviti on graduation from the University of Colorado, Leeds School of Business, with a B.S. degree in accounting and entrepreneurship. Since joining Betts Company, he recently earned an MBA from the Craig School of Business, California State University, Fresno. He has held varied leadership positions during his tenure with Betts Company, including procurement, sales, marketing, customer support, strategic planning and project management. In his new role, he will have primary responsibility for Betts Company’s three business units and development of overall strategic direction.
 

Bill Betts is board member of GenNext, the heavy-duty aftermarket’s newest group formed to educate, mentor and recruit the next generation of aftermarket leaders. In addition, he is actively involved in YPO (Young President’s Organization), San Joaquin Valley Chapter and is a board member with Boys & Girls Club of Fresno County. He is certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) through the Association for Operations Management (APICS) and a member of the APICS, San Joaquin Chapter.
 

Mike Betts has been the president of Betts Company since 1995, having held numerous positions in sales, marketing, innovation and leadership with the company for over 37 years. In his new role, he will continue to provide guidance and support to Betts Company’s leadership team. In addition he will focus on activities which favorably impact industries, markets and communities important to Betts Company Mike is involved in many industry and civic organizations, including his role as vice president of Spring Manufacturers Institute (SMI).
 

For more information on Betts Company, visit www.Betts1868.com.

About Betts Company

For over 147 years and during six generations of continuous family ownership, Betts Company has innovated and provided products, services and expertise to help move vehicles, products and people productively and safely. By applying The Betts Way to professional and personal pursuits, Betts Company associates Improve the Way Things Move^® for customers, suppliers and the communities in which they live and work.  From its proud beginning as the first spring manufacturer in the Western United States, Betts Company has developed into a diversified concern that serves heavy duty transportation, aftermarket automotive and other industrial sectors with innovative, patented products made in the USA. For more information, visit www.Betts1868.com.