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GOJO Industries continues its tradition of combining leaders from inside the Kanfer family and beyond with the announcement of Carey Jaros as the 73-year-old family enterprise’s new president and chief executive officer. Jaros will assume the role Jan. 1, 2020, at which time Mark Lerner will become senior advisor and president emeritus. 

“GOJO is a family enterprise made up of thousands of team members who care deeply about helping the world stay healthy,” says Jaros. “I am honored to be able to work alongside the most talented and committed people in our industry, in service of our GOJO Purpose of ‘Saving Lives and Making Life Better Through Well-Being Solutions.’ The opportunities that lie ahead for us to have a positive impact on the world while continuing to grow this amazing business in Northeast Ohio are tremendous.”

In her new role, Jaros will continue her years-long partnership with Marcella Kanfer Rolnick, who was named executive chair of GOJO in May 2018. 

“Carey brings a rare combination of strategic perspective, practical business skills, and real heart,” says Kanfer Rolnick. “As president and chief executive officer, Carey will focus on continuing the company’s progress as a market-making, growth-oriented business that cares about the well-being of people out in the world and within GOJO. Carey is a smart and courageous leader. There is no one else I would rather partner with than Carey as we shape the future of GOJO.”

GOJO has always been on the forefront of new thinking and innovation. 

“We recognize the fast-changing world we live in is being reshaped by new forces in information technology, scientific discovery, and business consolidation coupled with the call for business to be a force for good,” said Kanfer Rolnick. “I am confident that we have the right leadership and strategy in place to ensure we continue to lead our industry for decades to come.”

Both Jaros and Kanfer Rolnick bring well-developed strategy and business skills to their respective roles. As the third generation of family leadership, Kanfer Rolnick is responsible for vision-setting, long-term strategy, sound governance, and stewardship of the family values and culture that have propelled GOJO to succeed. Jaros joined GOJO in 2016 as chief strategy officer and transitioned to chief operating officer in July 2018. Prior to joining GOJO, she was president of Walnut Ridge Strategic Management Company, vice president at Dealer Tire, and spent over a decade as a management consultant at Bain and Company. She has significant experience as an operator, investor, and board member in growth companies.