Boston Retail Solutions announces CEO retirement, names successor

Boston Retail Solutions (formerly known as Boston Barricade) has a new chief executive.

The employee-owned company said that Bob Putnam will retire at the end of 2022 after 30 years with the firm. He will become a special advisor to the board of directors. Randy Ahlm, COO of Boston Retail Solutions, was named the new CEO, effective Nov. 15, 2022.

After founding the company in 1992, Putman built it into a market leader for retail solutions, including modular barricades, large-scale graphics and vehicle wraps. He also expanded Boston Retail Solutions’ national footprint, made strategic acquisitions and guided the business through challenging economic times, most recently the Covid-19 pandemic.

“On behalf of the board of directors and Boston Retail Solutions' 200 employee-owners, we want to thank Bob for his leadership and impact over his more than three decades with the organization," said Rick Cope, chairman, Boston Retail Solutions. "A steadfast and bold leader, Bob has built a terrific company. The team is sincerely grateful to Bob for his dedication to our company and wishes him the best in this next chapter."

Ahlm’s selection by the board to succeed Putnam as CEO is based on his 20-plus years in executive leadership and demonstrated ability to rapidly scale similar size businesses.  His history of building customer-focused teams and implementing operational excellence makes Ahlm the right person to be the next CEO, the company said.

"Randy is well positioned to lead Boston Retail Solutions in the next phase of growth," said Putnam. "With his proven track record, I know the company is in good hands. I wish Randy all the best in his new role and look forward to the continued success of Boston Retail Solutions."

"I want to thank the board of directors for their confidence in me as I step into this role," said Ahlm. "I am honored and excited to have the opportunity to work with our talented leadership team and employee owners around the country to advance Boston Retail Solutions' profitable growth strategy."

Boston Retail Solutions is an employee-owned company that simplifies the retail branding process by providing high-quality, grand format graphics, fleet wraps and branded enclosure solutions that are installed quickly, anywhere in the country.