Fire, life safety & security products distributor Brooks Safety Solutions — a portfolio company of H.I.G Capital, has appointed Garland Williams as the company’s new CEO and Sean Kramer as President, effective Nov. 3.

Eric Smith, who has served as CEO since 2010, will remain a member of Brooks’ board and continue to provide strategic guidance and oversight.

Williams joins Brooks after nearly three decades with plumbing, HVAC and building products distributor Ferguson, where he held senior leadership roles overseeing $20 billion in revenue across multiple business lines. During his tenure, he advanced through a series of commercial and operational roles that included outside sales rep, branch manager, sales manager, district manager, and multiple vice president positions – culminating in his appointment as SVP and executive committee member.

“I am excited to join BSS as CEO at a time of significant growth and opportunity,” said Williams in a Nov. 3. news release.  “Eric’s leadership has been instrumental in building a high-performing business with strong momentum. I’m honored to partner with him, our board, and the talented BSS team to write this next chapter. My focus will be on continuing BSS’ trajectory, strengthening our operational backbone, investing in our people and ensuring we deliver unmatched value and reliability for our customers.”

Sean Kramer brings over two decades of experience driving scalable growth, digital transformation and operational excellence within distribution and service-based businesses. Most recently, he served as Chief Digital Officer at Artera Services, and prior to that as EVP of Digital & Technology at SiteOne Landscape Supply. His earlier career includes technology leadership roles with Volkswagen Group of America and Stellantis.

“Garland’s strong leadership and track record leading growth-oriented organizations, combined with Sean’s proven ability to drive growth and operational excellence, create a powerful leadership combination for BSS,” Smith added. “Together, they bring the commercial discipline, innovative mindset and executional rigor to build on the company’s strong foundation and continue to deliver exceptional value to our customers and OEM partners. It has been an honor and a privilege to lead this company and I’m very much looking forward to working with Garland and Sean to ensure a smooth transition and help position the company for sustained success.”

In mid-July, Brooks Safety announced the acquisition of Mooresville, NC-based FireResQ.