Stihl names new chief of staff

Stihl announced it has promoted Erin Ashcroft to Vice President and Chief of Staff. Ashcroft has been with the company for nearly 13 years, most recently serving as assistant general counsel. In this new role, Ashcroft will report directly to Chris Keffer, Stihl president and CEO, and will advise the executive team. 

“Erin brings a unique combination of legal expertise, strategic insight, and leadership,” said Keffer. “She’s been a driving force behind many of our most important initiatives and will be instrumental in helping us move our business forward.” 

As chief of staff, Ashcroft will drive execution of strategic priorities, ensuring cross-functional alignment with Stihl’s long-term goals. She will support key initiatives across product, retail, marketing, compliance and training to propel the growth of the business. 

“I’m honored to take on this new role during this exciting period of growth and innovation at Stihl,” said Ashcroft. “As we continue to lead the industry in both gas and battery-powered tools, I’m committed to translating our strategic priorities into measurable action and meaningful results.” 

Ashcroft’s tenure at Stihl has included leadership on a broad range of legal, regulatory, and operational matters, with a focus on compliance, contracts, data privacy, and intellectual property as well as commercial and regulatory laws. She currently serves as the chair of the Outdoor Power Equipment Industry’s Legal and Regulatory Committee and is on the Virginia Beach Division Board for the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce. In 2022, she was recognized with a STEP Ahead Award by The Manufacturing Institute for her leadership in the manufacturing industry. 

Prior to Stihl, Ashcroft practiced law at McGuireWoods, where she focused on commercial litigation and regulatory issues. She holds a J.D. from William & Mary School of Law and a B.A. in Political Science from Lehigh University. She is active in the legal community through the Federal Bar Association’s Tidewater Chapter and the Virginia Bar Association.