YAKIMA, WASH. — Don Carrell has been named chief executive officer of Kwik Lok Corp. He will succeed John K. Rothenbueler, who has announced his intent to retire on April 1. Mr. Rothenbueler will continue in his role as chairman.

Mr. Carrell joined Kwik Lok in 2017 as chief operating officer. Earlier, he was general manager at Rainier Plastics, Inc. Mr. Carrell also has worked as vice-president of manufacturing at Shields Bag and Printing Co., vice-president of finance and controller at Shields Bag and Printing Co., and senior logistics manager at Kaiser Aluminum Trentwood Works.

He received a bachelor’s degree in agribusiness/agricultural economics from Washington State University and a master’s degree in business administration and management from Gonzaga University.

“I am committed to continuing the Kwik Lok legacy of customer service, innovation and growth,” Mr. Carrell said. “We have a terrific team and are well-positioned for an exciting future.”

Mr. Rothenbueler has been with Kwik Lok since 2015, joining the company as president and later being elevated to c.e.o. Prior to Kwik Lok he was a partner at Alegria & Company, and earlier he was a senior manager at Deloitte.

“John’s contributions to Kwik Lok have been too numerous to count,” said Stephanie Jackson, spokesperson for the Kwik Lok board of directors. “He has developed a strategy that keeps our company healthy and innovative while maintaining a positive culture in the face of great change.  I am glad he will remain in the role as board chair and happy that he has reached this well-deserved milestone in his career.”

Kwik Lok manufactures plastic bag closures for the packaging industry.