FRESNO, Calif. – Betts Co. has announced the appointment of Bill Betts to the newly created position of president and chief operating officer (COO). Mike Betts, formerly president of Betts Company, will actively continue in the business as chairman of the board of directors and chief executive officer (CEO).
With this appointment Bill Betts becomes the seventh president of Betts Co., founded by William Michael Betts in San Francisco, Calif. in 1868. Betts Company has been owned and led by members of the Betts family without interruption throughout its 147-year history and continues to reflect the passion and values of the Betts family. In addition to Mike and Bill Betts, Don Devany (senior vice president, Betts Co.), Joe Devany (director of operations, Betts Spring Manufacturing and BettsHD) and John Devany (sales manager, Betts Truck Parts and Service) are Betts family members actively involved in leadership of this six-generation family business.
“This is a proud day for our family and our company,” said Mike Betts. “Like all leaders at Betts Co., Bill has earned this opportunity by his passionate commitment to our associates, customers and suppliers. He is an excellent example of living our Seven Core Values and embodies ‘Improving the Way Things Move.’ Bill’s appointment provides all Betts Co. team members – past and present – an opportunity to reflect on the very special accomplishment of sustaining and growing a family business for 150 years.”
“I am humbled and grateful for the confidence and trust placed in me today,” said Bill Betts. “Leading Betts Co. has been a lifelong goal and I am excited by the opportunity to help Betts pursue its next phase of growth and excellence. I have great respect and appreciation for every associate who has played a part in the history of our company and look forward to serving them in the years to come.”
Bill Betts joined Betts Co. in June, 2007 after a successful two-year stint with Protiviti Inc., an international risk and business consulting firm. He joined Protiviti upon graduation from the University of Colorado, Leeds School of Business, with a B.S. in accounting and entrepreneurship. Since joining Betts Co., he earned an MBA from the Craig School of Business, California State University, Fresno. He has held varied leadership positions during his tenure with Betts Co., including procurement, sales, marketing, customer support, strategic planning and project management. In his new role, he will have primary responsibility for Betts Co.’s three business units and development of overall strategic direction.
Bill Betts is a board member of GenNext, the heavy-duty aftermarket’s newest group formed to educate, mentor and recruit the next generation of aftermarket leaders. In addition, he is actively involved in YPO (Young President’s Organization), San Joaquin Valley Chapter and is a board member with Boys & Girls Club of Fresno County. He is certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) through the Association for Operations Management (APICS) and a member of the APICS, San Joaquin Chapter.
Mike Betts has been the president of Betts Co. since 1995, having held numerous positions in sales, marketing, innovation and leadership with the company for more than 37 years. In his new role, he will continue to provide guidance and support to the company’s leadership team. In addition, he will focus on activities that favorably impact industries, markets and communities important to Betts Co. He is involved in many industry and civic organizations, including his role as vice president of Spring Manufacturers Institute (SMI).
