Potter Electric Signal Company, a provider of mission-critical products to the fire and life safety industry, has appointed Gerald Connolly as CEO. As had been planned since Gryphon Investors made a majority investment in the company in 2017, Connolly succeeds Bernie Lears, who has elected to retire after almost 40 years with the company and who will continue to serve on Potter’s board of directors as a vice chairman.
Lears served Potter in numerous roles, including as president and CEO for the past 21 years of the company’s 120-year history. He solidified the company’s commitment to quality and customer service, which has become its cornerstone.