Culligan Names Former Kinkos Executive, Mark Seals, as CEO

Culligan International, a Clayton, Dubilier & Rice portfolio company and leading producer/distributor of water treatment products and bottled water, announced the appointment of former Kinko’s executive Mark Seals as chief executive officer. He will also join the company’s Board of Directors. Seals succeeds Mike Kachmer who becomes chief operating officer and remains a member of the Board of Directors.

While at Kinko’s, Seals was the executive vice president of operations, where he was responsible for Worldwide Branch Operations, Marketing, Real Estate and Development, Strategic Planning, and International. Seals has extensive global experience with high profile consumer-oriented companies, has a successful track record of building strong and profitable franchise networks, and for putting in place high performance management teams.

At Kinko’s, Seals led the transformation of the company’s international operations and after its acquisition by FedEx helped to integrate Kinko’s operations with its new parent company. Prior to Kinko’s, Mark spent 10 years with PepsiCo/Tricon, where he was instrumental in improving the operations of such well respected global companies as Pizza Hut, KFC and Taco Bell. He also held several important executive positions with Anheuser-Busch Companies.

"Culligan is embarking on a new phase in its corporate life, where we are focusing on improving relationships with our franchisee network, sharing "best practices" on a worldwide basis, and evaluating multiple new business alternatives that will allow us to leverage our strong brand, while building on the strong relationships we have established with our customer base," said George W. Tamke, Culligan’s chairman and Clayton, Dubilier & Rice operating partner. "Culligan has a long and rich heritage as a corporate icon, which is a valuable asset as we continue to grow our business globally. Mark brings a unique and proven combination of leadership skills that will help the company achieve its strategic initiatives, while growing profitably."

Seals received a B.A. from the University of Missouri, St. Louis, and an MA and MBA from Indiana University.

Source: Broadgate Consultants, LLC