MES Life Safety Welcomes Eric Crawford as New CFO to Lead Financial Strategy

MES Life Safety Welcomes Eric Crawford as CFO

On October 8, 2026, MES Life Safety, a leading player in North America's emergency-response and life safety solutions, announced the appointment of Eric Crawford as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective September 1, 2026. With over 15 years of experience in capital markets and mergers and acquisitions, Crawford is poised to significantly impact the company's financial strategy and growth trajectory.

Crawford's journey to MES began in earnest when he served as Managing Director at Platte River Equity, where he was part of the team that spearheaded the acquisition of MES in 2021. His contributions have been instrumental in guiding the company's strategic direction, including executing 17 acquisitions and two divestitures, which expanded MES's market presence and strengthened its service offerings.

Marvin Riley, the CEO of MES Life Safety, expressed confidence in Crawford's capabilities, stating, "Eric brings an exceptional combination of financial expertise, strategic judgment, and analytical thinking. Through his service on our Board, he has developed a strong appreciation for our customers, markets, people, culture, and mission. His leadership will be invaluable as we embark on the next phase of our growth."

As the incoming CFO, Crawford will oversee key areas including Finance, Accounting, Information Technology, Treasury, and Risk Management. He will collaborate closely with Riley and other leaders on capital allocation, ensuring that MES continues to support the mission-critical workers in North America.

In his own words, Crawford remarked, "Having worked alongside this team since 2021, I've seen firsthand what MES means to first responders and industrial workers who face real risk every day. Ensuring they return home safely to their families is a vital responsibility. I am honored to partner with Marvin and the MES team as we invest in our people, capabilities, and footprint to build a category-defining company in worker safety."

Eric Crawford is no stranger to high-stakes financial environments. Over his career, he has participated in more than 40 transactions valued at over $5.5 billion, gaining invaluable experience that he now brings to MES. Before his time at Platte River Equity, he served as an investment banker at Jefferies. Crawford holds an MBA with Distinction from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management and earned his undergraduate degree in Engineering Sciences, modified with Economics, from Dartmouth College.

Crawford will also maintain a seat on the Board of Directors of MES while operating out of Denver. His experience and insight are expected to foster a more robust financial foundation as MES continues its mission of providing safety solutions to those who protect and serve under challenging conditions.

About MES Life Safety

Established in 2001, MES Life Safety has been committed to safeguarding heroes from hazards in demanding environments. As a trusted source for fire service, law enforcement, and industrial safety markets, MES delivers high-performance products from top brands to ensure the safety of at-risk workers. With the largest network of specialized sales representatives and mobile service technicians in North America, MES caters to over 17,000 clients, employing more than 850 individuals dedicated to their mission.

For further details about MES Life Safety and their offerings, visit www.meslifesafety.com.