Compass Diversified Announces Appointment of Geoffrey Feil as CEO of The Sterno Group

Craig Carnes to Assume New Role as Chief Customer Officer Until his Retirement

WESTPORT, Conn., July 17, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Compass Diversified (NYSE: CODI) ("CODI" or the "Company”), an owner of leading middle market businesses, today announced that Geoffrey Feil has been named CEO of its subsidiary The Sterno Group Companies, LLC (“Sterno” or “The Sterno Group”), a manufacturer and marketer of portable food warming systems, creative indoor and outdoor lighting, and home fragrance solutions for the foodservice industry and consumer markets. Concurrent with Mr. Feil’s appointment, Craig Carnes assumed the new role of Chief Customer Officer.

Mr. Feil has over 20 years of business leadership and management experience, holding previous roles in brand management, sales and marketing, and mergers and acquisitions. As CEO, he will work to build upon Sterno’s 100-year legacy and leading brand position to accelerate its sales and marketing efforts, new product innovation, and operational excellence across foodservice and retail end-markets.

Mr. Feil joins Sterno having previously served as Senior Vice President and General Manager with Newell Brands (Nasdaq: NWL), where he was responsible for leading the North American Writing Business Unit and its portfolio of brands including Sharpie, Elmer’s, and PaperMate. Prior to that, he worked with Kraft Heinz (Nasdaq: KHC) for 13 years and held private equity and investment banking roles with William Blair Capital Partners and Goldman Sachs, respectively. Mr. Feil holds both an M.B.A. and a B.A. from the University of Michigan.

“Geoff is a seasoned industry veteran with vast experience leading consumer-facing brands, and we are excited to welcome him to the team,” said Elias Sabo, CEO of CODI. “He possesses an extensive background in managing and growing leading consumer packaged goods brands, and his unique and broad consumer experience, paired with his brand management experience and strategic mindset, give us confidence in his ability to lead Sterno in its next phase of growth. On behalf of CODI, we want to thank Craig for his dedication and contribution to the success of Sterno during his 15-year tenure.”