Franklin Electric Co. announced that Donald Kenney, vice president and president of global water, will be retiring after nearly 32 years with the company. Kenney was a driving force behind Franklin Electric’s Global Water growth and strategy over the last decade, and he will remain with the company through the end of July to ensure a smooth transition to his successor, Greg Levine. Levine joined Franklin Electric on July 3 from Nidec Corp., where he served as president of the Motion Control and Drives business for the past six years. In his new role, Levine will be responsible for Franklin Electric’s global Water Systems business.

“Don’s strategic vision and customer-centric approach was essential to our growth these past few years,” said Gregg Sengstack, chairperson and CEO. “We are excited to bring on a leader with a proven track record of identifying and nurturing growth opportunities. This insight will allow us to build on the strong foundation we have in place.”  

Levine served in global profit and loss and technology roles for Nidec for 13 years, where he oversaw an international team of 3,800 individuals across 13 operational sites. During his time with Nidec, Levine positioned the company to grow two-fold in five years through organic growth and acquisitions. Before working at Nidec, Levine held senior engineering roles at Emerson for 15 years.

“Greg’s disciplined technology focus and industry insight will help him guide Franklin Electric well into the future as we explore new products, markets and customers,” said Sengstack.