Leatherman’s CFO steps into CEO role

A new year means new roles in C-suites around the world. And Portland-based Leatherman Tool Group’s longtime CFO is stepping into the CEO role to kick off 2026.

Effective Jan. 1, Kris Hamper was named chief executive of Leatherman after years of experience as CFO at footwear giants like Keen and Dr. Martens, as well as at England-based engineering recruiting firm Carbon60.

Since 2012, Hamper’s worked at the multi-tool and knives manufacturer as a dual CFO/COO where, according to Leatherman, he “played a critical role in helping our team grow, expand into new categories, and reach more people around the world—all while staying true to our commitment to quality and craft.”

Leatherman was founded in Oregon in 1983, sells various hand tools across 80 countries, and employs over 540 full-time employees.

Its first commercial product was the Pocket Survival Tool, a folding multi-tool originally sold through catalog retailers.

Hamper’s hire adds to a growing list of CFOs over the last few years who have been promoted to the chief executive role. Longtime CEO Ben Rivera will stay on as an “advisor and innovator,” according to the company.

Leatherman did not announce whether it was conducting a formal search for its next finance chief.