“Throughout Kyle’s time at Barry-Wehmiller, he has contributed significantly to our vision. Through this transition, we will continue to work together as father and son — as two stewards of our 12,000-plus team members — to show the world that human and economic vibrancy can coexist in harmony,” says Bob Chapman, who has served as CEO since 1975 and will remain Chairman of the Board.
Barry-Wehmiller, one of the most influential players in industrial and packaging automation, has officially named Kyle Chapman as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Chapman will also continue in his current role as President, marking a significant leadership transition for the $3.6 billion global enterprise.
This appointment is particularly noteworthy for the corrugated packaging sector, where Barry-Wehmiller’s technologies and services have long shaped industry standards. As reported by the company, Kyle Chapman’s promotion signals a continuation of the Chapman family’s legacy, which began in 1957 when William A. Chapman first took the helm.
Kyle Chapman brings over 25 years of private equity and operational experience, having co-founded BW Forsyth Partners in 2009 — Barry-Wehmiller’s $850 million hybrid equity firm. His leadership has been instrumental in aligning financial performance with the company’s people-first culture. From 2015 to 2019, he served as Strategic Financial Advisor, later becoming Interim CFO in 2020 and President shortly thereafter.
In his own words, Kyle Chapman emphasized his commitment to human-centered leadership:
“I’m fiercely committed to building on my dad’s legacy by demonstrating that a company can achieve extraordinary financial strength without compromising its commitment to people.”
For professionals and partners in the corrugated packaging space, this leadership shift reinforces Barry-Wehmiller’s long-term vision: combining technological innovation with cultural stewardship. With more than 145 acquisitions under its belt and a permanent capital mindset, Barry-Wehmiller remains a cornerstone of the industry’s evolution.
corruga.expert
