NEW YORK (November 8, 2023) — Acertitude, the executive search firm unleashing human potential, has recruited Joseph Liotine as the chief executive officer of Briggs & Stratton, the world’s largest producer of engines for outdoor power equipment and leading provider of job site items across its brand portfolio. Sponsored by KPS Capital Partners and headquartered in Milwaukee, WI, their products are designed, manufactured, marketed, and serviced in more than 100 countries on six continents.

Briggs & Stratton, with the long-term support of KPS, continues its successful transformation into a profitable, growing company through its substantial investments in research and development, technology, new product development, and focus on strategic acquisitions. As CEO, Liotine will drive the value creation plan and accelerate growth by further developing the portfolio of products and services, upholding trust among a global customer base, and taking advantage of new market opportunities.

Kevin O’Neill, co-founder, managing partner, and leader of Acertitude’s Industrial practice, led the search together with Geoff Votta, partner, who places C-level and senior executive talent in both Industrial and Private Equity sectors. The practice discovers, engages, and places senior executive talent and builds leadership teams for businesses in a state of transition, such as a startup, high growth, turnaround, IPO or restructuring situations.

“Joe brings an industry-specific and smart, operational leadership background that will prove beneficial in capturing new global market share and sustaining growth,” said O’Neill. “We look forward to continuing our partnership with both KPS and Briggs & Stratton as they strive for further expansion and the development of a stronger future.”

Prior to joining Briggs & Stratton, Liotine served 18 years in senior roles at Whirpool Corporation. Most recently, as President & COO, he led the Global KitchenAid business, being globally responsible for product development, R&D, sourcing, and IT. He earned an MBA from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business.


Acertitude has served as strategic partners to KPS for nearly a decade, placing over 100 executives across the portfolio, with recent Board and C-suite placements for AIS Global, C&D Technologies, Life Fitness, Lufkin Industries, Primient, and more.

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