In continuing its commitment to innovative jobsite solutions to expert tradespeople around the world, RIDGID is pleased to announce the addition of Mitch Barton to the RIDGID Global Press Connection team, where he will serve as marketing director. In this new position, Barton will manage product development, partner relations and new business opportunities for the growing line of RIDGID press tools.

Barton brings several decades of marketing and product development experience to his new role. Previously, he served as director, global project management for Performance Health in Akron, Ohio. In this role, Barton transformed the product management group from a support organization to a high performing team leading projects and decision making across the organization. At RIDGID, he brings this innovative outlook to the Global Press Connection team, helping them strengthen their focus, responsiveness and global connectivity solutions in the pressing category.

“Looking at the needs of our end-user – the professional tradesperson – is critical to our overall product development strategy. Mitch understands this ‘consumer-first’ mindset and will help us continue to take a more holistic view towards new tool technologies,” said John Ruese, VP and general manager of Global Press Connection at RIDGID.

In addition to more than 30 years of marketing experience across a variety of industries, Barton also holds a Master of Business Administration and Bachelor of Science degree from Bowling Green State University.

Emerson’s professional tools business, which includes RIDGID as well as the Greenlee and Klauke brands, provides the industry’s broadest portfolio of advanced, reliable tools and technologies for the mechanical, electrical and plumbing trades globally.