CoolSys, the market-leading provider of sustainable refrigeration, HVAC, energy, and engineering solutions, announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Rich Wyckoff as the Company’s next CEO and President. Mr. Wyckoff will also join the Company’s Board of Directors. Rick Frier, who has served as Interim CEO and President since February 2023, will remain involved with the business in his role as Chairman of the CoolSys Board.
Mr. Wyckoff is a seasoned executive with more than 30 years of experience leading high-quality service and manufacturing businesses. Most recently, Mr. Wyckoff served as Interim CEO of Pritchard Industries, a leading provider of facility services, where he remains Chairman of the Board of Directors. From 2019 to 2023, Mr. Wyckoff was President and CEO of Arctic Glacier, a leading provider of premium ice products and related services. While at Arctic Glacier, Mr. Wyckoff and his team returned the business to meaningful growth, transacted 12 acquisitions, and more than doubled EBITDA.
Prior to Arctic Glacier, Mr. Wyckoff served as President and CEO of U.S. Security Associates, an international security services provider, through its successful sale to strategic buyer Allied Universal. Additionally, Mr. Wyckoff sits on the boards of Lipari Foods and Universal Pure, and he has held prior leadership roles at a variety of companies, including r4 Technologies, C&S Wholesale Grocers, and Aramark Corporation.
“We are excited to welcome Rich as the next leader of CoolSys,” said Mr. Frier. “Given his significant experience successfully scaling services-oriented businesses and focus on creating a positive employee culture, we believe Rich is well-suited to lead the CoolSys team in executing its strategic plan. I am confident that Rich will continue to build on the Company’s recent organic and inorganic growth, and I look forward to working closely with Rich as Chairman of the Board.”
“I would like to thank Rick for his contributions in accelerating growth at CoolSys as Interim CEO, and we are fortunate to have his continued guidance as Chairman,” said Matt Cwiertnia, Co-Head of Ares Management’s Private Equity Group. “We believe CoolSys is very well-positioned to continue scaling and building upon its leading sector position, and I am thrilled to have Rich lead the organization through this next phase of growth.”
“CoolSys is a differentiated, innovative, and customer-focused organization, and I am honored to lead the 3,200 nationwide associates who drive the Company’s mission and success,” said Mr. Wyckoff. “I am committed to cultivating a best-in-class working environment for our technicians while delivering exceptional services and solutions to our customers. With the support of Rick, Ares, and the entire CoolSys team, I am energized to help capture the tremendous growth opportunities ahead.”
