Altec Announces Senior Leadership Succession Plan

Birmingham, AL, October 7, 2021- The Board of Directors of Altec, Inc., announced the election of Allen W. Ritchie as President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Ritchie will also join Altec’s Board of Directors.

Altec is a third-generation family-owned business founded by Lee Styslinger in 1929. Lee Styslinger, Jr. joined the business in 1952 upon the sudden death of his father. In 1990 Thomas Merrill joined Altec and was named President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Merrill remained with Altec from 1990 to 2001 and helped facilitate the transition of company leadership to Lee Styslinger, Jr.’s three sons. In 1983 Lee Styslinger, III joined Altec and was named Chief Executive Officer in 1997. Jon Styslinger joined Altec in 1985 and became President and Chief Operating Officer in 2010. Mark Styslinger joined Altec in 1987 and was named Senior Vice President – Sales in 1998. Mr. Ritchie will report to the Ownership Council which is comprised of Lee Styslinger, III, Jon Styslinger, and Mark Styslinger. Lee, Jon, and Mark Styslinger have also been named Co-Chairmen of Altec’s Board of Directors.

Mr. Ritchie joined Altec as its Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in 2007. He has broad and deep experience in manufacturing and distribution, financial services, and service technology organizations. Prior to joining Altec, Mr. Ritchie served as the Chief Financial Officer of Protective Life Corporation, a financial services company headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama. Previously, he held several executive management positions including Chief Financial Officer and President of AGCO Corporation, a publicly traded global manufacturer and distributor of agricultural equipment headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia; and was President and Chief Executive Officer of Per-Se Technologies, a publicly traded healthcare services and technology company headquartered in Atlanta. He started his career with the accounting firm Arthur Andersen, where he was a partner in the Atlanta office.

Mr. Ritchie is active in the Birmingham community, where he has served on the Board of the United Way of Central Alabama, the Board of Visitors of the School of Commerce at the University of Alabama, and the Board of Directors of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra.
Lee Styslinger, III said “I have never been more optimistic and excited about the future of Altec. Over the past 14 years Allen has been involved in every aspect of our business”. “He is a proven leader that brought broad, deep experience to Altec, and has been instrumental in Altec’s success”, said Jon Styslinger. Mark Styslinger added, “Allen’s passion for Altec, and his strong commitment to our mission and values serve as a solid foundation to lead Altec into the exciting future ahead.”

Mr. Ritchie said “I appreciate the support and confidence of the Styslinger family and Altec’s Board of Directors. I am extremely excited to be leading Altec and our outstanding team of associates at such an important time as we position Altec for further success in the future.”

Altec is a leading equipment and service provider for the electric utility, telecommunications, contractor, lights and signs and tree care markets. The company provides products and services in more than 100 countries throughout the world.

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Media Contact:

Mark Wegel
Altec, Inc.
205-991-7733