T. Jack Cahill, president of Kaman Industrial Technologies Corporation (KIT) is retiring, effective August 31. Steven J. Smidler, currently vice president and chief operating officer has been appointed by the board of directors to assume the role of president in Cahill's departure.

"Jack has provided visionary leadership to KIT for nearly two decades and has transformed it from a collection of regional operations into a recognized leader in the North American industrial distribution market," says Neal J. Keating, chairman, president and CEO of parent company Kaman Corporation. "There is no one in the industry more respected than Jack; his integrity is second to none, and he has served as a role model for all of us across Kaman Corporation. He informed me of his desire to retire several months ago, and we implemented our succession plan that will provide for a smooth handover to Steve. Jack is tireless, and after thirty-five years with Kaman, this is a well earned retirement. On behalf of all Kaman employees and the board of directors, I wish Jack well in his retirement."

Cahill was named president of KIT seventeen years ago. He joined Kaman in Denver as a salesman in 1975. He worked in the Western United States, rising to vice president for the region before becoming president. During his career as president, the company's sales more than doubled. He has relocated to Longwood, FL with his wife Joyce.

"I have very much enjoyed my career with Kaman," Cahill comments. "It is an outstanding organization at every level of the operating units and the parent corporation. I have been fortunate to enjoy special relationships with our customers, suppliers and the KIT and Kaman people. We are a very strong organization, a company totally dedicated to ensuring our customers' success. As I retire, I am confident that the organization will achieve new heights under Steve Smidler's leadership."

Smidler joined Kaman in December 2009 overseeing the company's sales, marketing, customer service and operational functions. He previously held the position of executive vice president of Lenze Americas Corporation. He was also a member of the Lenze Group, Germany, management committee. Before becoming executive vice president, he served as president and treasurer for Lenze Americas and as a board member for the Lenze ACTech production company.

Smidler graduated from Purdue University in 1981 with a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering technology. He received a master's in business administration from the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University in 2007. Before Lenze, Smidler held executive positions at Eaton Corporation's Powerware Division and Rockwell Automation's Global Manufacturing Solutions Group. He has had assignments throughout the Americas and Europe.