STIHL Inc. Announces Leadership Transition

Release Date: 2/5/2026

Lorraine Amesbury Holder and Uwe Hirsch to jointly assume interim President’s duties

Virginia Beach, VA (February 5, 2026) — STIHL Inc. announced today leadership changes as Chris Keffer, STIHL Inc. President and CEO has departed the company, effective immediately. To ensure continuity of the business in the interim, Lorraine Amesbury Holder, SVP of Operations, and Uwe Hirsch, SVP of Finance, IT, Purchasing, and Quality will assume responsibility for overseeing the President’s duties. Terry Horan will continue serving as the Chairman and Sole Director of the STIHL Inc. Board of Directors. Together, they will work closely with STIHL leadership teams to maintain alignment on strategic priorities and support STIHL Inc. and STIHL Dealers through this transition.

Keffer joined STIHL Inc. in 2022 as the Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. In August of 2023 he was appointed President and CEO.

“We thank Chris for his leadership and many contributions during his four years with STIHL. His efforts helped move several key initiatives forward, and we wish him every success in his next chapter,” said Michael Traub, Chairman, STIHL Executive Board.  “STIHL remains firmly committed to the U.S. market, where we proudly employ more than 2,300 people and support over 10,000 independent STIHL Dealers across the country. As we move forward in our search for new leadership, our dedication to U.S. production, dealer support, and serving customers nationwide will remain unwavering.”

About STIHL Inc.

As the #1 selling brand of gas- and battery-powered handheld outdoor power equipment in America among U.S. professional landscapers*, STIHL is renowned for its legacy of innovation, durability, and performance. From chainsaws and trimmers to blowers and mowers, STIHL products are trusted by professionals and homeowners alike and are sold through a network of more than 10,000 authorized local STIHL Dealers—not big box stores. STIHL Inc., the U.S. affiliate of the global STIHL Group, employs more than 2,300 people and manufactures over 100 STIHL models at its 150-acre campus in Virginia Beach, VA.

*"Number one selling brand" is based on 2007-2024 syndicated and commissioned surveys and 2023-2024 surveys conducted by Irwin Broh Research of the U.S. professional landscaper and tree care markets.