John Watson has been named president and CEO of Torch Technologies, succeeding Bill Roark who is now CEO of Starfish Holdings, the parent company of Torch Technologies and other Starfish holdings.

Watson has served as president of Torch since 2013. This transition has occurred over the past two years, with Roark moving away from his full-time involvement with Torch and toward leadership of the Starfish Holdings enterprise.

“We have selected a strong, proven leader for Torch at a time when Torch is in a very strong position as a rapidly growing employee-owned small business,” said Roark, a co-founder of Torch. “Since John became president…, he has continually grown the company in multiple locations, broadening our capabilities and solutions. We have full confidence that John will continue to move the company forward, capitalizing on the opportunities in front of us, and will lead the company in the best interest of our employee-owners.”

Watson joined Torch in 2009 as vice president of corporate development.

“I joined Torch in 2009 because I wanted to be a part of a company that not only had an established reputation within the community and with customers for its ethics and values, but also had vast possibilities for growth and innovation,” said Watson. “Today it is even more clear to me that Torch is that company. I am honored that Bill and the Torch Board have placed their faith in me to continue to lead Torch in this capacity.”