Chicago-based personal protective equipment supplier SureWerx has announced the appointment of Steve Alden as its Chief Financial Officer to be responsible for the financial management of the company in addition to driving strategic growth and operational excellence.

Alden succeeds outgoing CFO Kevin Karr, who will continue work in a part-time role as the Senior Advisor of Corporate Development at SureWerx.

Alden has experience in acquisition integration, system enhancements, and value creation across distribution, manufacturing, and services businesses, SureWerx officials said in a Aug. 30 news release.

Most recently, he served as Vice President and CFO of Americas at Culligan International, where he led finance and accounting while expanding the business through organic growth initiatives and M&A. Prior to Culligan, Alden spent 7 years at AAR Corp., where he held several leadership roles. He began his career at KPMG and Bain & Company.

“His proven expertise in leading successful financial operations across high-stake business environments in both developed and emerging markets will be an asset to the company,” said SureWerx CEO Chris Baby. “His experience in driving strategic growth, executing mergers and acquisitions, and optimizing operations will further enhance the financial strength of the business.”

Earlier this year, the company added a Global Supply Chain Leader.