ITU AbsorbTech Welcomes Craig Bald as our New President and CEO
Craig Bald, New President and CEO, and Jim Leef, Former President and CEO, third generation owner and current Executive Chairman of the Board.
January 2025 – We are pleased to announce Craig Bald as ITU AbsorbTech’s new President and CEO, the first non-family member to hold this role in our 90+ year history.
Craig transitions into this position after 14 years as our Chief Financial Officer, where he has been a vital part of our senior leadership team and the implementation of our Strategic Plan. His deep understanding of our business and commitment to our Business Tenets make him an exceptional choice to lead ITU AbsorbTech into the future.
After more than three decades as President and CEO, Jim Leef has transitioned to Executive Chairman of the Board. Reflecting on his time as the company’s third-generation leader, Jim shares, “I feel incredibly fortunate to have been surrounded by a supportive family and dedicated employees who have helped grow ITU AbsorbTech into what it is today.”
Craig will take over day-to-day operations in January 2025. “I’m honored to follow Jim’s lead and build on the strong foundation that he and the Leef family have set for the company,” Craig says. “I look forward to driving continued growth and expanding the sustainable business practices, innovations, and values that make us a trusted partner and industry leader.”
Looking ahead, Jim adds, “My family and I are thrilled to see Craig take on this leadership role, and we’re confident he will be an outstanding leader for ITU AbsorbTech for years to come.”
About ITU AbsorbTech
Headquartered in New Berlin, Wisconsin, ITU AbsorbTech is a family-owned environmental services company founded in 1930. We provide sustainable, managed service programs for shop towels, SorbIts® oil absorbents, and other reusable textiles, helping businesses reduce waste and meet ISO 14001 standards and achieve safety goals. Operating 15 locations and servicing manufacturers throughout most of the eastern US, ITU AbsorbTech is committed to Genuine Service Excellence, innovation, environmental stewardship, and community involvement.
