PLZ Corp Names Challgren CEO

DOWNERS GROVE, IL -- PLZ Corp., a manufacturer of specialty aerosol and liquid cleaning products, has appointed Fenton Challgren, an industry veteran and currently PLZ’s Chief Operating Officer, CEO effective August 15.

Challgren succeeds Brett Finley, who said, “I hired Fenton as part of our long-term succession planning because of his growth mindset and relentless focus on operational excellence, and he has proven himself to be an outstanding COO during his tenure at PLZ. I am confident Fenton is the right leader to guide PLZ’s next phase of growth and expansion.”

He brings more than 25 years of leadership experience in the manufacturing and consumer products industries. As PLZ’s Chief Operating Officer, he has successfully led the company through a rapidly evolving market landscape, advancing key strategic initiatives and driving improvements across the manufacturing network.

Challgren said, “Through robust formulation, simplification and service excellence, we have built a strong foundation for the business, and I see incredible opportunities to accelerate our growth by further expanding our product offerings, enhancing our capabilities and strengthening our customer relationships. I am eager to officially begin PLZ’s next chapter, as we focus on developing products that will break through and drive significant growth.”

He has been instrumental in enhancing facility and safety performance and optimizing PLZ’s footprint. Challgren joined PLZ from Fortune Brands, a nearly $8 billion market cap home and security products company, where he most recently served as President of Outdoors & Security, managing nearly 8,000 employees across five portfolio companies and leading significant organic and inorganic growth.

He also previously held leadership roles at IDEX Corporation, Masterbrand Cabinets and Sony Electronics. Mr. Challgren earned his B.S. in industrial engineering from Iowa State University.

“Fenton shares our philosophy of partnering with customers and building businesses that surpass industry standards,” said Carter Cast, Operating Partner at Pritzker Private Capital (“PPC”). “His strategic vision, customer focus and operational excellence make him the ideal choice to lead PLZ into the future, and Brett’s steady leadership has left the company well-positioned for this next chapter. PLZ continues to deliver the quality products and services its clients demand, and we are delighted to continue our partnership and support the company’s growth.”

Headquartered outside Chicago, PLZ is owned by Pritzker Private Capital. It is a North American based independent specialty aerosol and liquid product manufacturer. PLZ formulates, blends, fills and packages more than 2,500 branded and private-label products including personal care products, cleaners and polishes, industrial solvents, lubricants and degreasers, adhesives, sanitary supply disinfectants, insecticides and air fresheners for home and industrial use.

For more information, visit www.plzcorp.com.