Kahler Slater names two new co-CEOs
Kahler Slater is getting new leadership — while sticking with its format of co-chief executive officers for the Milwaukee-based architectural, strategic advisory and design firm.
Executive Vice Presidents Al Krueger and Glenn Roby have been promoted to those CEO positions, following the firm’s succession plan, Kahler Slater announced Tuesday.
Krueger and Roby succeed George Meyer and Jim Rasche, who have been with Kahler Slater for more than 35 years each and are transitioning to chief executive officers emeritus.
Along with its Milwaukee headquarters, the firm operates offices in Madison, Chicago, Richmond, Virginia, and Singapore
The firm last year moved its headquarters to downtown’s new BMO Tower.
“This is a very exciting time at Kahler Slater,” Roby said “We have many leaders in all levels at the firm propelling us toward our strategic goals. I love to see our people align their passions to fulfill the needs of our clients.
“Those same clients see the benefit of the many initiatives that focus on our people and their growth as professionals, respectful collaborators and stewards of our resources,” he said.
“We’ve invested in regional growth, marketplace diversity, and subject matter expertise to grow well beyond the commodity services that many firms in the industry offer,” Krueger said.
“Our diverse portfolio and collaborative nature allows us to come together and create truly innovative design solutions,” he said.
Kahler Slater has a tradition of collaborative leadership dating back to the 1960s, when David Kahler and Mac Slater ran the firm.
“It’s part of our DNA,” Krueger said. The company’s executives believe a collaborative leadership environment provides the best ideas and decisions. The model also provides more time for the CEOs to continue to work closely with clients.
“I love working with clients,” Roby said.
Krueger and Roby each have more than 20 years of experience.
Krueger leads the Kahler Slater Healthcare Team.
His commitment to growth led to Kahler Slater expanding to include strategic advisory services in recent years.
Under his leadership, Kahler Slater has added new client relationships and projects in new locations, including Canada. Krueger has built upon the firm’s Mid-Atlantic presence with the launch of the firm’s Richmond office in 2017.
Roby leads the Kahler Slater Corporate, Hospitality and Residential Team, and is known for his understanding of the privately funded real estate process.
Under Roby’s leadership, the team has more than tripled in size and has added new capabilities.
Roby also played a leading role in planning, developing and opening Kahler Slater’s Chicago office in 2020.
Meyer and Rasche have led Kahler Slater since 1985.
They will serve as ambassadors for Kahler Slater, will be available for key client relationships in Milwaukee and Singapore, and will be available for counsel to the firm’s leadership team.