A New Chapter Unfolds: BISSELL Appoints First Non-Family CEO in 150 Years

In a move that truly marks a new era for one of America's most enduring brands, BISSELL, the venerable home cleaning solutions company, is preparing to welcome its first Chief Executive Officer from outside the founding family. Adam Madigan, who has steadily risen through the ranks, is set to take the helm as CEO on October 1, 2026, steering the company as it celebrates its remarkable 150th anniversary.

For a century and a half, leadership at BISSELL has been a family affair, a tradition dating all the way back to Melville Bissell, who founded the company in 1876 after receiving a U.S. patent for his carpet sweeper that very year. This long, storied lineage saw four generations of Bissells guide the company, with Mark Bissell, the outgoing Chairman and CEO, serving an impressive 40 years before transitioning to Executive Chairman in September 2025.

Madigan's appointment isn't exactly out of the blue; it’s the culmination of years of dedicated service and proven leadership within the company itself. He first joined BISSELL back in 2012, bringing a fresh perspective and strategic acumen. By 2025, his capabilities were clear, leading to his promotion to President and Chief Operating Officer. This experience, deep within the fabric of BISSELL's operations, undoubtedly prepared him for this significant new role.

Mark Bissell, whose deep roots and long tenure have shaped much of the company's modern identity, will continue to play a crucial role as Executive Chairman. This transition, effective well before Madigan formally steps into the CEO position, ensures a smooth handover while maintaining invaluable institutional knowledge at the top. It’s a testament to a thoughtful, forward-looking succession plan, blending continuity with innovation.

Looking ahead, the company, with its global headquarters still firmly planted in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and manufacturing facilities in nearby Walker, seems poised for continued growth and evolution. The recent acquisition of Unger in 2024 is just one example of its dynamic approach. With Madigan leading, supported by key executive team members like Max Bissell, who remains President of Global Product, and Matt Kruer, BISSELL appears ready to write its next exciting chapter, honoring its past while embracing the future.