Crane Group — parent of fluid handling products distributor Crane Engineering — announced Oct. 8 that President Chris Brown will succeed Lance Crane as CEO effective Jan. 1, 2027. Crane will become Executive Chairman, remaining a board member and strategic advisor.

Brown previously led Geiger Pump and Equipment, which Crane Group acquired in 2024. He subsequently served as Crane Group Vice President before becoming President in early 2026.

“Chris is a key strategic leader for us. He’s guided our supplier partnerships, advanced our acquisition strategy and helped us perform at a higher level. He’s absolutely the right person to take Crane Group to the next level,” Crane said.

Crane has led Crane Engineering since 2007 and Crane Group since its 2023 formation through a partnership with AEA Investors. The group has completed 10 acquisitions since 2023 and now has 440 employees across 17 locations and eight brands.

“When I joined Crane Engineering, I dreamed of turning our family business into a national distribution company powered by great people and a winning culture. Seeing that dream become a reality has been the privilege of my career,” Crane said. “We’ve solved countless technical problems, created exciting new product lines, helped our customers succeed, built a great home for our team members and made a difference in our communities. I’m incredibly proud of what this team has accomplished.”

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The company described the transition as part of a long-range succession plan, with Crane shifting more attention to growth, expansion and company culture.

Crane Group comprises specialized fluid technology businesses serving industrial, sanitary and municipal customers across North America. Its offerings span flow control and process equipment distribution, engineered systems and service and repair. Member companies retain their names, leadership and customer relationships, supported by shared capital, technology and infrastructure.

Based in Kimberly, WI, Crane Engineering distributes pumps, valves, mechanical seals, filters, mixers and wastewater processing equipment. The company also designs and builds custom skid systems and provides equipment repair, installation, preventive maintenance and reliability services. Its service footprint includes Wisconsin, Minnesota and Michigan, with product distribution and engineered solutions reaching customers beyond the region.