Apex Tool Group Appoints Ross Porter, Jr. as SVP and President, Global Power Tools Business Unit

Words: Bb GroupApex Tool Group, LLC, a global leader in industrial hand and power tools, has announced the appointment of experienced tool industry executive Ross Porter, Jr. to its Executive Leadership Team as Senior Vice President and President of its Global Power Tools business unit. Porter reports to James J. Roberts, Chief Executive Officer of Apex Tool Group.

Porter, 51, joins Apex Tool Group after holding senior executive roles at both Newell Brands and Chamberlain Industries, including general management, finance, corporate development and investor relations. “Ross has a proven track record with deep experience in the tool industry, particularly around new product development, operations and M&A,” said James J. Roberts, Chief Executive Officer of Apex Tool Group. “I look forward to his leadership in driving strategic growth and continuing to elevate our business globally.”

Ross worked for two decades at Newell Brands in senior executive roles, most recently serving as President of three Global Business Units where he led strong brand building and new product development initiatives for the Construction Tools/Accessories, Hardware and Office Products divisions. Earlier at Newell, Ross was Vice President and CFO for two business groups, and was the company’s investor relations leader.

After his tenure with Newell, Porter joined Chamberlain Industries as its Executive Vice President, Corporate Development, and then served as President and COO of its Controlled Products Systems Group. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from the University of Wisconsin.
From Day One to Long-Term Success: Onboarding Strategies for Contractors
January 2026

The construction industry is facing one of its toughest challenges in decades. Companies are struggling to find enough skilled workers while competing to keep the ones they have. At the same time, projects are becoming more complex, deadlines are tighter,

Finding the Right PPE for Your Work
January 2026

When it comes to PPE, one thing’s for sure: safety isn’t one size fits all. The work you’re doing, where you’re doing it, and even what time of year it is, can all make a big difference in what gear actually works. Price, comfort, and job performance all

Back Injuries: The Real Cost and How to Prevent Them
January 2026

The mention of back injuries makes mason contractors cringe, and for good reason. Masons lift heavy objects every day, all day long. When a person sustains a back injury, it is serious. It affects every part of their life, from their ability to perform wo

Detailing for Durability: The 2026 Guide to High-Performance Stone Veneer Transitions
January 2026

Some of the most expensive failures involving manufactured stone veneer installations don’t come from the stone at all, but rather from the material transitions and flashing around it. Transitions are weak points in the overall cladding where water can fi