FORT WAYNE, Ind. — The board of directors of Franklin Electric Co. Inc. has elected Chris Villavarayan to be a director of the company effective May 6, 2022.

Villavarayan has been the chief executive officer and president of Meritor Inc. since March 2021. Prior to his appointment as CEO, Villavarayan held a number of positions of increasing responsibility within Meritor, most recently serving as executive vice president and chief operating officer of Meritor with oversight of the company’s global operations for its Global Truck and Aftermarket & Industrial business segments.

Villavarayan earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario.

“I have confidence that Chris’ extensive operational and manufacturing experience and his global outlook will provide a unique perspective to our deliberations, " said Gregg Sengstack, Franklin’s chairperson and chief executive officer. "I join my fellow directors in welcoming Chris to the Board and we look forward to benefitting from his leadership and expertise.”