J. J. Keller & Associates announced today that Robert L. Keller is retiring as chairman of the company's board of directors effective January 1, 2024, becoming chairman emeritus. James J. Keller, currently treasurer and vice chairman of the board, will become chairman, effective the same day.
J.J. Keller & Associates Chairman James J. Keller
Brothers Robert Keller and James Keller—the second generation of the Keller family to have led the family-owned company—both played key roles in evolving the company their father, John J. Keller, founded in 1953, growing it from a one-man consulting firm for the transportation industry to a diversified company with more than 2,000 associates today.
Upon retiring as chairman of the board, Robert Keller leaves a legacy of care for the company’s associates and a focus on operational excellence that has enabled the company to become a trusted name in safety and regulatory compliance solutions for multiple industries across North America.
J.J. Keller & Associates Chairman Emeritus Robert L. Keller
Starting with J. J. Keller & Associates in 1957, at age 11, to help his father by doing odd jobs, Robert Keller has spent his entire career with the company. After earning an economics degree from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, he held a series of leadership roles within the company before becoming president in 1974, CEO in 1988 and then chairman of the board.
"In my time as chairman, the company grew from $100 million to nearly $400 million in less than 20 years,” said Robert Keller. “The company successfully navigated the financial crisis, a transition to technology in both process and product/service lines, leadership succession and the retirement of hundreds of management and professional/technical positions. I enjoyed the leadership challenge and supporting our CEO and leadership team."
James Keller, incoming chairman of the J. J. Keller board of directors, also began working for the company at age 11. After receiving a degree from Madison Area Technical College, in Madison, Wisc., with a focus on printing, he led the company's initial printing and distribution operations. He served as president beginning in 2006, president and CEO from 2012 to 2013, along with holding vice chair and treasurer positions on the board.
As the incoming chairman of the board, James Keller will work closely with J. J. Keller CEO Rustin Keller and the executive leadership team to ensure the company's continued growth and success.
“I am very pleased with leading J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc. as chairman of the board,” said James Keller. “I have been involved for over 50 years with numerous positions, including past vice chairman, president/CEO and treasurer.
“My dad and our founder, John J. Keller, and then my brother Bob Keller were chairmen since 1953. These past 70 years have been very successful under their leadership. We have an experienced executive leadership team that has the company going full speed ahead into the future. We are all very proud of the company, what we stand for, and our 2,200 associates, who make J. J. Keller an accredited 'Great Place to Work.'”
The nine-person board of directors for privately owned J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc. comprises family members and external directors and advisors.
J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc. is a leading provider of safety and regulatory compliance solutions for businesses in various industries. With a commitment to innovation and customer service, the company helps organizations navigate complex regulations and maintain a safe work environment.
Visit jjkeller.com for more information.
[12.28.23]