Aris Horticulture names new CEO

Aris Horticulture, a flower breeder and grower, recently announced that its Board of Directors has elected Scott Schaefer as President and CEO effective April 1.

 

Schaefer, who is also a member of the Board of Directors, succeeds Bill Rasbach who announced his desire to step down as President and CEO after almost 42 years of service to the company. Rasbach is taking a part-time position as Vice Chairman and will remain active in the company, working on various administrative and strategic matters, as well as the brand, Blooms of Bressingham.

 

Schaefer has served Aris for more than 15 years, most recently as Vice President COO/CFO where he oversaw all aspects of operations, including Green Leaf Plants and Keepsake Plants, as well as corporate administrative functions, including accounting and finance.

 

Prior to joining Aris in 2001, Schaefer’s employment includes positions with American Safety Razor’s Fiber Division and Whitman Corporation. Schaefer is no stranger to horticulture thaks to his family’s business, Schaefer Greenhouses, Inc. in Montgomery, Illinois. Scott holds a MBA from Washington University in St. Louis and a BS in Accounting from the University of Illinois in Chicago and is a Certified Public Accountant.

 

"It's an exciting time to be at Aris and I appreciate this opportunity,” said Schaefer. “Despite the many challenges facing the horticulture industry today, there are many opportunities as well. I look forward to continued engagement and support of the Aris team to achieve our goals, including leading positions in quality and service for our customers and distributor partners. Over the years, I have worked closely with Bill Rasbach, prior President and CEO, who has led the company since 2003.”

 

Scott and his wife, Linda, live in Hudson, Ohio. They have two grown sons.