Fastenal has announced that CEO Daniel Florness will step down from his role next year, with the company’s current President and Chief Sales Officer, Jeffrey Watts, set to succeed him.
Florness will leave the position on 16 July 2026. He joined Fastenal in 1996 and became CEO in 2016. Following his departure, he will serve as Strategic Advisor to the new Chief Executive Officer until early 2028. The company said the role is designed to ensure a smooth leadership transition and an effective transfer of knowledge.
In addition to stepping down as CEO, Florness will also resign from Fastenal’s Board of Directors on the same day. Watts will be appointed to the Board to fill the vacancy.
“This transition represents the next step in an orderly succession plan that began in August 2024, when Jeff Watts stepped into the role of President of Fastenal,” said Scott Satterlee, Fastenal’s Board Chair. “Since then, Jeff has demonstrated an outstanding ability to align our sales teams around the common goal of delivering industry-leading value and service to Fastenal’s customers.”
Commenting on Watts’ appointment, Florness said: “Jeff has a great ability to identify and develop talent, align people and resources in pursuit of a common goal, and brings 30 years of experience serving our customers. I look forward to seeing him lead Fastenal into the future.”
