During their February meeting, VGM Group, Inc.’s board of directors voted unanimously to appoint Mike Mallaro to serve as the company’s new chief executive officer.
Mallaro will fill the role that was vacated with the sudden passing of VGM’s founder, Van G. Miller, this past October. Jim Walsh, VGM’s interim CEO, will transition to chairman of the board and continue to serve as general counsel.
“Mike has been an integral part of our overall growth as a company,” said Walsh. “He has familiarity and foresight, and we have complete confidence in his ability to lead this great company down the path that Van created.”
For the past 15 years, Mallaro has been VGM’s chief financial officer where he was responsible for the company’s financials, business development strategies and executive oversight. During that time, he also served as the lead on development of the employee stock ownership plan, which included transition to a 100 percent employee ownership.
“I’m looking forward to expanding my role within the company and our industry,” said Mallaro. “Despite its challenges, our industry has an exciting future ahead. VGM will continue to lead, advocate, innovate and connect, helping our members propel their business forward.”
Also during the board meeting, Jim Phillips was chosen to serve as the new president of VGM Group, Inc. Phillips will continue to serve as the company’s chief operating officer along with his new duties as president.
Mallaro cited the strength and continuity of the senior leadership at VGM, which includes Phillips, Walsh, Clint Geffert, Mike Kloos, Christa Miehe, Dave Kazynski, DJay Ellis and Ron Bendell.
“We are fortunate to have a great team in place to help make this transition as seamless as possible,” Mallaro said. “Our 850-plus employee owners will continue to serve our members and partners with energy, passion and dedication, just as we have for 30 years.”