Apex Tool Group (ATG), a manufacturer and supplier of high-performance hand and power tools, tool storage, drill chucks, chain and electrical soldering products for industrial, commercial and demanding do-it-yourself applications, announces that Bernd J. Fruehwald has been promoted to senior vice president and president of its global power tools business unit, which includes Cleco, Weller, and APEX.

Fruehwald joined ATG in July 2014 as general manager of Weller Tools. He most recently served as vice president and president of the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) regions of ATG’s global power tools and hand tools divisions.

“In multiple roles with ATG, Bernd has demonstrated the ability to grow market share, establish effective business processes and drive further efficiencies in our European business,” said Jim Roberts, CEO. “We look forward to Bernd‘s leadership of our strategically important power tools business.”

Prior to ATG, he held executive roles with Bühler Motor GmbH, a privately-held global manufacturer and marketer of motion control motors, actuators and mechatronic drive solutions. He served as vice president for its industrial and healthcare business units; vice president, Global R&D; and vice president of its PMO office. While at Bühler he was named an officer, and also served on its board of directors.

He holds an MBA from St. Gallen Business School in Switzerland and Alpen-Adria-Universität Klagenfurt, and earned a mechanical engineering degree from Technical High School Ansbach.