Corporate attorney Robert “Bobby” Lucas is Hammond Group Inc.'s next president and CEO. He replaces Terry Murphy, who will continue his role on the board of directors.

Lucas helped Hammond Group transition to employee ownership and has served on the board of directors.

“I look forward to working with the entire Hammond team to continue to build on the incredible growth and transformation the company has experienced under Terry Murphy’s leadership during the last 10 years,” Lucas said in a press release.

The Hammond Group manufactures batteries and their components.

“I am extremely excited to work with Hammond Group’s tremendous customers and forge relationships with other leaders in the battery industry,” Lucas said. “The company has an incredible innovation history and a very bright future.”

Murphy said Lucas is the right person to succeed him.

“Bobby Lucas has been a trusted adviser to the Hammond Group for many years,” Murphy said.

Among Lucas' accomplishments during his 15 years as an adviser, Murphy said, was helping divest Hammond Group's Halstab division, guiding the company during its change to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan, and strategizing on the board of directors.

“Bobby knows our industry and is a critical thinker whose wide range of professional expertise is unsurpassed,” Murphy said. “I am truly elated to entrust the legacy of this company to such a charismatic and sincere leader.”

Lucas most recently served as managing partner at Chicago-based Dinsmore & Shohl. His position at Hammond Group officially starts June 3.

Murphy pledged to “ensure a smooth transition” and continue the company's transition to a full ESOP.

Caption: Corporate attorney Robert “Bobby” Lucas will replace Hammond Group Inc.'s Terry Murphy as the next president and CEO. (Provided by Hammond Group)