The Minnesota Business Partnership today announced that Russ Becker, president and chief executive officer of APi Group, will serve as chair of its Board of Directors for a two-year term beginning January 1, 2027.
Becker will succeed Geoff Martha, chairman and chief executive officer of Medtronic, who has served as MBP board chair since 2025. Martha will continue as president of the Board while the Partnership completes its search for its next chief executive officer, providing continuity through the leadership transition.
“Russ is a respected leader who understands both the opportunity and the responsibility that comes with leadership in Minnesota,” said Martha. “He will bring a thoughtful and practical perspective to the Board at an important time for the Partnership. I am also grateful to Erika Nelson and Abby Loesch for their leadership as Interim Co-CEOs and for the steady work they have done to keep the organization moving forward during this transition.”
Becker has led APi Group since 2004. The Minnesota-based company is a global provider of fire and life safety, security, elevator and escalator, and specialty services, with more than 600 locations worldwide.
Becker joined the APi Group family of companies in 1995. He became president of one of its operating companies in 1998, and president of APi Group in 2002 before being named CEO in 2004.
Under Becker’s leadership, APi Group has expanded its global presence and completed more than 150 acquisitions. He also established “The Care Factor,” the company’s people-first philosophy focused on ensuring employees feel valued, respected and empowered.
“Minnesota has always been home, and I am honored to have the opportunity to serve the Partnership and its members in this role,” said Becker. “Minnesota has a great quality of life, and that is in part due to the Minnesota Business Partnership members. It’s time to recommit to growing Minnesota’s economy and our members are ready to lead that effort.”
Becker has also held a number of civic and community leadership roles. He previously served as chair of the Board of Directors for Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota and as a trustee of Dunwoody College of Technology. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of Marvin and on the advisory board for Michigan Technological University’s College of Engineering.