Joseph Bartolacci to Step Down as Matthews International CEO

Bartolacci joined the organization in 1997 as General Counsel, eventually ascending to the CEO role in 2006. His tenure oversaw a significant transformation of the company, which moved beyond its original focus on memorialization to become a diversified global enterprise. Under his direction, the business completed over 60 acquisitions and expanded its footprint into industrial technologies and brand solutions. Financial growth was a hallmark of this period, with annual revenues climbing from approximately $700 million to nearly $2 billion.

Chairman Michael Nauman credited Bartolacci’s leadership and integrity for steering the company through volatile market conditions. The Board of Directors has initiated a search for a new leader, though no immediate replacement was named. Bartolacci remains in his post during the transition period to maintain continuity for the company’s 4,300 employees across 15 countries.