MLA Places Jon Ploetz as General Counsel and Secretary at Applied Industrial Technologies

Hanover, MD (April 12, 2023) — Major, Lindsey & Africa (MLA), the world’s leading legal search firm, today announced the placement of Jon Ploetz as vice president, general counsel and secretary at Applied Industrial Technologies in Cleveland. The search was conducted by Heather Fine and Michael Sachs, both partners with MLA’s In-House Counsel Recruiting group in Chicago.

Founded in 1923, Applied Industrial Technologies (NYSE: AIT) is a leading value-added distributor and technical solutions provider of industrial motion, fluid power, flow control, automation technologies and related maintenance supplies.

Reporting to the president and CEO, Neil A. Schrimsher, Jon will serve as a key member of the executive leadership team and be responsible or helping direct and manage the company’s risk profile in achieving its long-range plans. Reporting to Jon, in addition to the legal functions, are risk management & insurance, environmental, health & safety, real estate, and indirect purchasing.

“After a robust national search, Jon was indeed the strongest choice for this critical position bringing the right combination of skills and expertise for success as the general counsel of a global public company,” said Heather Fine. “Jon’s terrific training, strong interpersonal style, and commitment to excellence made him the ideal choice for this role. He will be an excellent addition to the Applied Industrial team,” added Michael Sachs.

Jon most recently served as vice president, assistant general counsel and assistant corporate secretary for Harsco Corporation (NYSE: HSC), the global manufacturer and environmental solutions provider with over 12,000 employees and operations in over 30 countries. During his tenure, he oversaw all corporate matters, including corporate governance, securities, finance, merger and acquisition, joint venture, intellectual property and commercial contract matters. He also spent five years with Arch Coal, Inc. (NYSE: ARCH), a top five coal producer, as an assistant general counsel and assistant secretary, overseeing corporate governance, merger and acquisition, finance and securities matters. Before going in-house, Jon was an associate at Patton Boggs and Husch Blackwell. He received his J.D. from The University of Colorado School of Law and his B.A. from Luther College.