Airxcel names Jeff Rutherford as new CEO

Airxcel has announced the promotion of Jeff Rutherford to president and CEO of the company, according to a news release.

Rutherford joined the heating and air-conditioning products manufacturer, which is based in Wichita, in 2013. Airxcel includes the brands Coleman-Mach, Suburban, Maxxair, Marvair and ICE.

Rutherford replaced Mel Adams, who is retiring from the company after founding it more than two decades ago. The change was made July 1.

Adams will continue to be a member of Airxcel’s board of directors, according to the release.

“Jeff and his senior leadership team are highly capable and committed to growing the company which will lead to bigger opportunities for employees and business partners,” Adams said in the release.

Rutherford said that “building on this legacy committed to growth in brands and product offering will lead to opportunities for our 900 plus employees building product in the USA and our business partners.”

Airxcel manufactures specialty air conditioning, heating, ventilating and related appliances for recreation vehicles, telecommunications enclosures, classrooms, modular structures, assisted living, multifamily housing and other industrial and commercial uses.

The company’s brands have more than 900 employees at three manufacturing locations in Kansas, Georgia and Tennessee. Airxcel employes just more than 300 people in Wichita.

This story was originally published July 11, 2016 at 7:00 AM with the headline "Airxcel names Jeff Rutherford as new CEO."