Title: Vice President of Sales and Business Development
Company: Elite Management Group LLC
Location: Chesapeake, Virginia, United States
Kenneth J. Lange, Vice President of Sales and Business Development at Elite Management Group LLC, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Executives for dedication, achievements, and leadership in Manufacturing.
Contributing over 35 years of his career to the manufacturing sector, Mr. Lange has demonstrated a consistent commitment to operational excellence and strategic growth. Since January 2026, he has served as the vice president of sales and business development at Elite Management Group LLC, a subsidiary of S23 Holdings, headquartered in Newport News, Virginia.
In this capacity, Mr. Lange oversees operations, finance and marketing while guiding the company through significant organizational changes following its acquisition. His responsibilities have included navigating the transition of services and products to partner organizations and adapting to a renewed focus on ship repair within the marine industry. Mr. Lange’s leadership is distinguished by his ability to foster accountability and performance among employees, which contributed to a notable financial turnaround for the company over the past two years. Through strategic operational adjustments, he improved efficiency and reduced costs, resulting in substantial revenue growth and enhanced profitability.
Known for his unique blend of empathy and firmness in leadership, Mr. Lange creates fair environments where team members are supported yet held accountable for their contributions. He addresses performance issues directly, either helping individuals improve or making difficult decisions when necessary, ensuring that organizational goals are met without compromising compassion or integrity.
Before his current role, Mr. Lange was employed by Auxiliary Systems Inc. for nearly 15 years, more recently as the company president from 2023 to 2026. During this period, he led the organization through a critical phase marked by ownership changes and evolving market demands. Mr. Lange’s tenure in this leading role was preceded by his service as a senior vice president and general manager at Auxiliary Systems Inc. between 2014 and 2023, where he built a culture centered on teamwork and high performance, emphasizing clear key performance indicators and collaborative achievement. Mr. Lange began with the organization in 2011 as a general manager.
Mr. Lange’s earlier experience included serving as the general manager at Travaini Pumps USA, Inc., between 2008 and 2011, where he further refined his expertise in operations management within industrial manufacturing environments. Leveraging his expertise, he held the position of vice president and general manager at Ferco Architectural Hardware Inc. and GU Hardware Inc. from 2003 to 2007. Mr. Lange also excelled as the general manager for Cooper Split Roller Bearing for several years, beginning in 1998.
Earlier still, Mr. Lange was the central regional sales manager at Emerson Power Transmission between 1996 and 1998 after working as the national sales manager for Alarm Lock Systems, Inc., at NAPCO Security Technologies from 1994 to 1996. His foundational years in the field were spent as a district manager for Browning Manufacturing Division at Emerson Power Transmission with Regal Power Transmission for over five years, starting in 1987.
Mr. Lange’s professional journey began with an early interest in manufacturing inspired by his upbringing near Emerson Electric. His early work in sales provided him with a deep understanding of customer needs, a perspective that has informed his approach as he transitioned into operations leadership roles. Notably, the opportunity to join Auxiliary Systems Inc. arose through a connection made at church with an individual seeking to expand into manufacturing from a background in repair work.
In preparation for his future, Mr. Lange earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from the University of Kentucky in Lexington, Kentucky, in 1987, a foundation that equipped him with essential skills for his early career in sales management roles. Adding to his career achievements, he has been actively involved in several industry organizations, including the American Society of Naval Engineers, the Virginia Manufacturers Association and the Virginia Ship Repair Association. These affiliations have allowed Mr. Lange to remain engaged with industry trends while contributing to the advancement of best practices within the sector.
Beyond professional commitments, Mr. Lange serves on the board of the Mid-Atlantic Academy of Skilled Trades Apprenticeship Program, which recruits high school students into skilled trades relevant to ship repair and industrial sectors. Additionally, he is involved with civic organizations, such as the Southside Boys and Girls Club and the Boys and Girls Club of America.
Mr. Lange’s achievements have been recognized through honors that included induction into the Hall of Fame by the Hampton Athletic Association in 2006. He attributes much of his success to perseverance and an unwavering determination not to give up easily even when faced with adversity. Mr. Lange also believes strongly in empowering others by setting an example through action rather than directive alone.
Looking ahead, Mr. Lange aims to continue building on his legacy within manufacturing leadership. He is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, where he continues to embrace lifelong learning as he seeks new challenges late in his career. Additionally, Mr. Lange intends to make meaningful contributions through nonprofit work, particularly through continued involvement with organizations like the Boys and Girls Club, where he can give back to the community.
For more information, please visit:
Contact Mr. Lange:
