Switlik Survival Products announced the promotion of Sarah Switlik to president. Formerly serving as chief operating officer for five years, Sarah will now lead a team of 170 employees and assume full responsibility for day-to-day operations, a role she has been gradually stepping into over the past year. A fourth-generation member of the Switlik family, Sarah brings a deep-rooted understanding of the company’s storied heritage with a visionary, forward-thinking approach to its operations, product lines and future growth. As Sarah transitions into her new role, her father, Stanley Switlik, who has dedicated over five decades to the company and has served as president and chief executive officer (CEO) since 2012, will continue as CEO and chairman of the board. He has spent the majority of his career leading Switlik’s engineering and production operations, specifically focusing on research, development and new product design. Over the past 50 years, Stanley has been credited with designing many of the company’s most successful products and creating all of Switlik’s signature features, including the X-Back Adjustment System, U-Zip-It-U Shaped Zipper and Underarm Flotation System. Under his leadership as CEO, the company nearly doubled in both size and revenue, strengthening its reputation as an industry leader in safety and survival equipment. Stanley will continue to guide corporate strategic planning and remain actively involved in the development of new products going forward. “We are proud to announce Sarah’s promotion to president,” said Stanley Switlik. “Her leadership, vision and commitment to innovation have already fueled significant growth and strengthened our position in the industry. I have the utmost confidence that she will continue to uphold the company’s legacy of excellence while leading Switlik into a strong and promising future.” During her tenure as COO, Sarah led the company through a significant five-year transformation that shifted Switlik’s culture toward greater alignment, cohesion and energy. She oversaw a major 20,000-square-foot expansion of the Trenton campus, guided the company into new commercial markets and led the evolution of Switlik’s product offerings, including next-generation safety equipment. Under her leadership, Switlik improved operational efficiency and market position, setting the stage for sustained growth. Looking ahead as she enters her new role, Sarah is committed to fostering a values-driven culture that sets Switlik apart in an evolving market while leaving a positive impact on the reputation of American manufacturing. “I’m so incredibly proud to assume this role and I feel immense gratitude for all that my father has taught me over the years. Not only did he show me what it means to be a leader, but that I am in control of my own story – past generations or experiences don’t have to dictate how I lead or make decisions,” said Sarah Switlik. “As I take on this exciting new challenge, I’m committed to building a team that leverages the unity and diverse strengths of our workforce. Balancing the fresh perspectives of new employees with the experience of longtime staff helps us align our energy and momentum to face the challenges of today’s business environment. Beyond that, by investing in people and their growth, I believe that companies not only gain a competitive edge, but we can help reshape the future of American manufacturing.” Outside of her professional achievements, Sarah is committed to giving back as a leader and mentor, as well as supporting local, national, and international non–profits and business organizations. She served on the board of the United States Marine Safety Association from 2016 to 2018 and currently holds leadership roles with the Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey (June 2023-Present), the New Jersey Business & Industry Association (July 2024-Present) and as chairman of the board for Cherry Hill Nursery School (January 2025-Present). She also mentors students at Babson College’s Bertarelli Institute for Family Entrepreneurship, sharing her experience as an alumna and multi-generational business leader. Alongside her professional accomplishments, Sarah takes pride in balancing her leadership responsibilities with being a hands-on mother of two young children.
