Greensboro, NC — Tencarva Machinery Company has announced that Executive Vice President Henry Ritchie has been promoted to President, marking an important leadership transition for the organization. Former President Ed Pearce will assume the role of Chairman, continuing to guide key strategic initiatives. Tencarva is backed by Bessemer Investors, LLC, a New York–based investment firm known for long-term partnership and value creation.
Henry Ritchie
A Leader With 37 Years of Experience at Tencarva
Ritchie has built his entire 37-year career at Tencarva, serving in nearly every operational and leadership role throughout the company. His deep institutional knowledge, hands-on expertise, and commitment to customer success have prepared him well for leading the company forward.
Ed Pearce
“In his 37 years with Tencarva, Henry has held every conceivable job in the company, and his wealth of experience makes him the perfect person to oversee the company’s daily operations going forward,” said Chairman Ed Pearce. “He is well respected by our employees, vendors, and customers and has served as our sole Executive Vice President for the last four years in preparation for this transition. Henry has spent his entire career at Tencarva and I look forward to watching the company continue to expand and thrive under his management.”
Ritchie: ‘Honored and Humbled’
Ritchie shared his appreciation for the opportunity to lead the next phase of the company’s growth.
“I am honored and humbled to take over the role of President from Ed, who has done an outstanding job leading the company, especially through its transformation over the last decade,” Ritchie said. “From our beginnings as a sales company, we have grown into a complete solutions provider, and I am excited about my new role and the company’s future. I intend to proudly continue the legacy we’ve built over the last 48 years.”
Additional Leadership Promotions Strengthen the Organization
Along with Ritchie’s promotion, Chad Plott and Jeremy Reese have been elevated from Vice President to Executive Vice President. Both are 30+ year veterans of Tencarva and will assume expanded leadership responsibilities in alignment with the company’s continued growth.
Chad Plott
Jeremy Reese
“These promotions further strengthen Tencarva’s business outlook, while preparing the next generation of Tencarva executives,” said Bohdan Tyshynsky, Principal at Bessemer Investors. “We are grateful for Ed’s continued guidance, and Henry, Chad and Jeremy all bring both company and industry experience that will be invaluable as Tencarva embarks on its next phase of growth.”
About Tencarva Machinery Company
Founded in 1978 in Greensboro, North Carolina, Tencarva Machinery Company began with a mission to distribute and service pumps and liquid-handling equipment for industrial customers. Over the decades, the company has expanded its capabilities, added new suppliers, broadened its geographic footprint, and entered the municipal market in 2006.
Today, Tencarva employs over 580 employees—including more than 125 employee shareholders—across 35 locations throughout the Southeast and Midwest. Tencarva also operates under several respected brands:
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Southern Sales
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Saladin Pump & Equipment
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Hudson Pump & Equipment
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ESSCO Service & Sales
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Fischer Process
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Uniguard Machine Guards
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Tri-State Coating & Machine
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Detroit Pump & Mfg. Co.
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Atlantic Valve
More information is available at tencarva.com.
About Bessemer Investors
Bessemer Investors is a New York–based investment firm dedicated to partnering with middle-market businesses to foster sustainable growth and long-term value. With a flexible capital base and a team of experienced professionals, Bessemer supports management teams with the resources needed to accelerate success. Learn more at bessemerinvestors.com.