Kraft Fluid Systems CEO Retires

Kraft Fluid Systems, a distributor of mobile hydraulic equipment and electric drive solutions in the Midwestern U.S., recently announced that CEO Diane Baker retired at the end of 2021.

The company enters its 50th year in business in 2022. It was led by Baker since 2007 in an industry historically dominated by men. Baker’s accomplishments set the bar high for aspiring women in the fluid power business.

Baker will remain as chair of the board of directors. Scott Durand, president of Kraft Fluid Systems, assumes the role of CEO. Former sales manager Patrick Green has been named vice president of sales and marketing.

The company has been on a continual grow path since its beginning in 1972. Robert E. Kraft founded the company with his wife Marie with the intent on helping off-highway OEMs with hydraulic system solutions. As the company grew, Kraft added several key employees over the years. One such hire in 1983 was Diane Baker, who eventually went on to become CEO of the company. Baker held several management positions over her 38-year career and was a leader through strategic hiring, acquisition, and the implementation of the company’s employee stock ownership plan in 1998.

Kraft Fluid Systems is a distributor of mobile hydraulic equipment and electric drive solutions in the Midwestern U.S.

For more information, visit www.kraftfluid.com.