People – David Kohler
A New Generation
David Kohler was elected Chair and Chief Executive Officer of Kohler Co. in September 2022. He chairs the Board of Directors and Executive Committee in addition to his role as Chief Executive Officer.
“If we were introduced at a dinner party, I’m pretty understated and would say that I work for a plumbing manufacturer, a diversified manufacturer. It would probably be pretty hard for you to figure out that I am CEO. I’m very curious-minded and inspired by others and learning, so I’d probably ask more questions about you than you would ever get about me.”
David previously served as President and Chief Executive Officer since 2015. He is the fourth generation of the Kohler family to lead the company since its inception in 1873, and only the ninth person to lead the company.
David started at Kohler Co. working in every manufacturing division on the front lines. He rejoined Kohler as Director – Fixtures Marketing in 1993 after working at Dayton Hudson Corporation. Since then, he has served in progressive roles including Vice President Sales, Sector President – K&B Americas, Group President – K&B Group, Executive Vice President, President and COO, and President and CEO.
David serves on the Board of Directors of the following six organizations: Kohler Co., Old Course Ltd, Interface Inc., Interceramic, Discovery Energy LLC, and the Green Bay Packers. He also serves on the Board of Kohler Foundation and the Advisory Board of the Duke University Fuqua Center on Leadership and Ethics.
David received his bachelor’s degree in political science from Duke University and his master’s degree in management from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. He is also an Alumnus of the Voyageur Outward Bound School and is a past Chairman of the Young Presidents’ Organization, Intercontinental Chapter. David and his wife, Nina, have four children and live in Kohler, Wisconsin. Of golf note, David served as the General Chairman for the 2015 PGA Championship and the 43rd Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits, held in 2021.
