Becklar, parent company of both AvantGuard Monitoring Centers and Freeus, announced the appointment of Steve Richards as CEO. Richards has led numerous publicly traded and private companies. Josh Garner, Becklar’s founder and former CEO has assumed the role of executive chairman of the company’s board of directors. Garner, who remains a shareholder, will continue to be actively involved in the company’s strategic growth and direction as he chairs the company’s board.

“We heartily welcome Steve as chief executive officer,” Garner said. “We are confident that Steve brings the right balance of expertise and leadership skills to take Becklar through its next phase of growth. We have a deep and experienced management team and a formidable platform to continue to execute our proven business plan and consistently deliver outstanding results. Steve and I share a common vision for the continued growth of Becklar. I’m excited to continue to focus on our business strategy and M&A efforts while Steve assumes day to day leadership at the organization.

Richards’ track record includes experience across technology, media, communications, business process outsourcing and recurring services firms, marked by a consistent history of driving growth and client service.

“It is both an honor and privilege to be appointed chief executive officer of Becklar,” Richards said. “I have a great respect and admiration for the strategic focus, track record and uniquely positive culture that Josh and the team have built at Becklar, Avantguard Monitoring, and Freeus. Josh is an exemplary business leader; I am confident that together we will seamlessly transition into our new roles and accelerate growth in the months and years to come. I look forward to leading the Becklar team with Josh as we continue our legacy of consistently delivering award-winning products and solutions in partnership with our dealers, while collectively protecting and enhancing the lives of our customers.”

For more information, visit the AvantGuard website.