Merit Brass Company has announced a planned leadership transition designed to ensure continuity and position the company for continued growth and long-term success. Effective Oct. 1, 2026, Darren Hilliard will become president and CEO of Merit Brass.

The transition follows the planned retirement of longtime co-CEOs Alan Lipp and Marc Schlessinger, who will retire from their executive roles at the end of 2026 and assume the positions of co-chairmen of the board.

Hilliard joined Merit Brass in 2018 and was promoted to president in 2021 as part of a carefully developed succession plan. Since then, he has led the company's Strategic Leadership Team, guided company-wide operations and strategy, and helped position Merit Brass for continued growth and long-term success. For nearly nine years, Hilliard has played a central role in strengthening Merit Brass' leadership structure, operational performance, and customer-focused culture.

"This transition has been years in the making," Lipp said. "Marc and I have tremendous confidence in Darren's leadership, character, and commitment to the values that have defined Merit Brass for generations. He has built an exceptional leadership team, strengthened our organization, and positioned the company for continued success. We firmly believe Merit Brass' best years are still ahead."

"Selecting Darren to lead the company is one of the most important decisions we have made during our tenure," Schlessinger added. "He has earned the trust and respect of our associates, customers, suppliers, and business partners. We are excited to support him as Merit Brass enters its next phase of growth."

Hilliard brings more than 27 years of industry experience to his new role. Throughout his career, he has developed a reputation for operational excellence, strategic leadership, and a relentless focus on serving customers.

"I am honored by the confidence Alan, Marc, and the Board have placed in me," Hilliard said. "Merit Brass has earned its reputation through the dedication of our associates, the loyalty of our customers, and the strength of our supplier and industry partnerships. I look forward to building on that foundation and leading our team as we continue to grow and deliver value to the markets we serve."

Following their retirement from day-to-day management, Lipp and Schlessinger will remain actively involved as co-chairmen of the board, providing strategic guidance and helping ensure a seamless leadership transition.

For nearly nine decades, Merit Brass has built its business on quality, service, relationships, and long-term commitment. This succession plan reflects those same principles, ensuring continuity of leadership while positioning the company for continued success well into the future.