Advanced Drainage Systems Announces Key Management Changes

Hilliard, Ohio-based Advanced Drainage Systems Inc. (ADS) announced that Scott Barbour began serving as the company’s president and CEO, succeeding Joe Chlapaty, who has served in that capacity since 2004.

 

“I am very excited to join the ADS team and to continue the company’s legacy of revolutionizing the water management industry,” Barbour said. “ADS is a great business with outstanding prospects for the future. I look forward to building upon the company’s industry leadership, commitment to innovation and recent initiatives that drive operating performance improvements by leveraging its talented team and strong financial position.”

ADS, a leading global manufacturer of water management products and solutions for commercial, residential, infrastructure and agricultural applications, announced the leadership changes in accordance with its previously communicated succession plan, that became effective Sept. 1. The company’s board of directors also named C. Robert Kidder, its current lead independent director, as Chairman of the Board, and Scott Barbour as a director. Barbour will be replacing Chlapaty who will become Chairman Emeritus of the Board.

“This announcement comes at the right time as we enter the next chapter of the company’s evolution. Over the years, ADS has proven its ability to thrive on change and we are excited to have Scott lead the team and our Company forward,” Kidder said. “Scott is a well-rounded executive whose leadership style and skill set aligns well with ADS’ culture and its objectives to drive growth and operational excellence. I am confident that his expertise and experience honed while leading Emerson Electric’s $4.5 billion global Network Power business will position ADS well for future success.”

Barbour has more than 25 years of experience in the industrials sector. Most recently, he worked for Emerson Electric, a global technology and engineering company that provides solutions for customers in industrial, residential and commercial markets as president and CEO of its $4.5 billion Network Power business. Barbour was responsible for managing major multi-million dollar contract negotiations, leading and implementing a global profitability optimization program, expanding Emerson’s geographic footprint, introducing new product lines, and managing the spin-off and subsequent sale of the Network Power business, now Vertiv.

During his tenure at Emerson, Barbour also held several leadership positions including group vice president of Emerson Client Technologies Group, president, Emerson Client Technologies Asia Pacific Division, and president, Emerson Client Technologies Air Conditioning Division. In these roles, Barbour drove significant technology initiatives, increased profitability and led new product development.

Barbour began his career at Colt Industries, where he worked as a product engineer. Barbour received his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Southern Methodist University and his Master of Business Administration from the Owen Graduate School of Management, Vanderbilt University.

“On behalf of the board and management, we thank Joe for his countless contributions and dedication to the company,” Kidder said. “Under his leadership, ADS has grown from a private organization with $50 million in sales to an industry leader, with an exceptionally strong brand and more than $1.2 billion in sales across multiple end markets and geographies. Over the past 37 years, Joe’s passion for the business and his leadership helped position ADS at the forefront of the markets we serve today.”

ADS is the leading manufacturer of high performance thermoplastic corrugated pipe, providing a comprehensive suite of water management products and superior drainage solutions for use in the construction and infrastructure marketplace. Founded in 1966, the company operates a global network of approximately 30 manufacturing plants and over 30 distribution centers.