Bill Darley has stepped down as CEO of W.S. Darley & Co. He will be succeeded by Paul C. Darley, who is President & CEO effective January 1, 2010.
Bill Darley started his career at W.S. Darley & Co. in 1950 after graduating from Purdue University with a B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering. He became President in 1962. Bill served Darley faithfully for 60 years.
He will remain on as Chairman of the Board. Bill has traveled to 135 countries spreading the word about Darley and helping fire departments around the world adopt the latest technology to better protect firefighters and their communities.
Bill Darley commented, “I started my succession plan in 1988, when, at the age of 60, I realized I was not going to live forever. This is the final step of my plan. While I will never completely ‘retire,’ I am comfortable with the decision and look forward to spending time with my grandchildren and other things outside of Darley that I enjoy doing.”
Darley Board Member Sam Skinner chaired the CEO search committee. “The Board cannot thank Bill Darley enough for what he’s done for the company. We knew that replacing Bill would not be easy, but we were fortunate to have several excellent candidates from within the company and did not need to expand the search. Over his 25 years here, Paul Darley has displayed outstanding leadership and management skills. We are delighted that the senior executive officers and employees of Darley have affirmed our decision by their support.”
Paul Darley commented, “I am truly honored to accept this position and humbled by the support from our Board, management team, my siblings and cousins. No one person could ever fill Bill Darley’s shoes, but by working together, I am confident that our executive team will continue to lead this company forward in a positive manner.”
Bill is active in a variety of industry and charitable boards including past president of the Fire Apparatus Manufacturers’ Association (FAMA), Chicago Catholic Charities, Chicago Lyric Opera, International Association of Fire Chiefs, Dominican University, and the Adventurer’s Club.