Prime Highlights:
Appointed CEO of Briggs & Stratton in July 2024, following a stint as interim CEO earlier that year, after joining the company as CFO in 2022.
Under Cerniglia’s leadership, the company has seen improved product quality, increased profits, and higher employee morale after emerging from bankruptcy in 2020.
Key Background:
Kristina Cerniglia, CEO of Briggs & Stratton, is steering the company towards a promising future following a period of significant challenges. Appointed as interim CEO in early 2024 and then officially in July 2024, Cerniglia has been pivotal in revitalizing the Wauwatosa-based manufacturer of outdoor power products. The company, which filed for bankruptcy in July 2020 and was subsequently acquired by KPS Capital Partners, has seen a marked turnaround under her leadership.
Cerniglia, who joined Briggs & Stratton as CFO in 2022, quickly made her mark by initiating strategic changes focused on service quality, business simplification, and growth. Her leadership approach includes regular town hall meetings, monthly video updates, and tours of the company’s 13 plants, ensuring transparency and communication at all levels. These efforts have led to improved employee morale, increased profits, and enhanced product quality.
Briggs & Stratton, known for its engines, batteries, and generators, has undergone considerable restructuring since its bankruptcy. The company streamlined its operations by downsizing its white-collar staff, phasing out certain product lines, and consolidating production. Despite these changes, Cerniglia has been steadfast in maintaining the company’s strong local ties, reaffirming that the headquarters will remain in Wauwatosa, where it has been rooted since its founding.
Before joining Briggs & Stratton, Cerniglia held senior roles at Pratt & Whitney, Stanley Works, Black & Decker, and Hillenbrand Inc., bringing a wealth of experience to her current role. Her leadership philosophy is influenced by her background in business transformation, which has been critical in navigating the post-bankruptcy recovery and the fluctuating demands of the pandemic era.
Looking forward, Cerniglia is focused on expanding the company’s community involvement and continuing to strengthen its position in the market while ensuring the company’s legacy in Wauwatosa remains intact. Her approach to leadership, marked by hands-on engagement and a focus on profitability, is setting the stage for sustained growth at Briggs & Stratton.
