Columbus-based W.C. Bradley Co. announces new CEO as its leader
Columbus-based W.C. Bradley Co., a privately held, family-owned company with businesses spanning outdoor cooking, outdoor living and recreation, real estate development and land management, has named Christopher Ball as its new chief executive officer, the company announced Tuesday.
Ball has served as chairman of the W.C. Bradley board since April 2023 and as interim CEO since October 2025, when former CEO James Hillenbrand retired. Ball will continue as chairman in addition to taking on the CEO role, according to the news release.
“For more than 140 years, our family has been firmly committed to creating outstanding products that our customers love, providing a values-centered workplace, fostering a culture that puts people first, and strengthening the communities where we live and work,” Ball said in the news release. “I am proud to continue that legacy and honored to carry the banner as the next CEO of this amazing company.”
Ball is the great-great-grandson of founder William Clark Bradley, who started the company in 1885 in Columbus. Ball has more than 30 years of leadership experience across industries, including hospitality, marketing, investments and manufacturing, according to the news release.
“The W.C. Bradley Co. has a very bright future, and our entire team is rededicating ourselves to ensuring our next chapter is as strong as those that came before. I look forward to all that we will do together in the years ahead,” Ball said.
Stephen “Steve” Butler, former chairman of the board and a great-grandson of the founder, praised the selection, calling Ball “an extremely bright, capable, articulate, hard-working, and committed leader” who has earned the trust of the company’s management, employees, and family.
William Bradley “Brad” Turner Jr., a great-grandson of W.C. Bradley and former company president, said Ball has shown strong judgment as chairman while navigating a challenging business environment. Turner added that Ball is focused on “excellent service, innovation, and quality in everything” the company does.
This story was originally published April 28, 2026 at 4:25 PM.