Stephen Gould, the Madison-based independent supply chain solutions provider, has named Justin Golden as chief executive officer, effective immediately. The move marks a transition for the family-owned firm as Justin becomes the third generation to lead the company since its founding in 1939.
Justin succeeds his father, Michael Golden, who will move into the roles of strategic advisor and chairman of the board after nearly 50 years of leadership.
From what began as a small packaging supply shop, Stephen Gould has evolved into a global powerhouse. Under the Golden family’s stewardship, the company has achieved:
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Global footprint: Over 40 locations spanning the U.S. and international markets.
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Revenue milestone: Approximately $950 million in annual revenue in 2025.
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Integrated services: A shift from simple distribution to end-to-end design, prototyping, logistics, and supply chain management.
“Stephen Gould’s success has long been rooted in principled leadership,” Michael Golden said. “Justin has played a critical role in expanding our global footprint… We are confident he is the right leader to lead the business forward in sophisticated ways.”
Justin Golden previously served as president, a role he held since 2016. During his tenure, he focused on modernizing the firm’s infrastructure while preserving its “people-first” culture. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania with a B.A. in Economics, Justin also brings a strong commitment to philanthropy, serving on the Board of Directors for The RIVER Fund since 2014.
“I’m honored to step into the role of CEO of Stephen Gould, a company that has defined my life,” he said. “Looking ahead, we will build on this legacy, driving sustainable growth, expanding our capabilities, and executing with discipline.”
As CEO, Justin is expected to further leverage Stephen Gould’s “all-within-reach” model, which supports brands from the initial concept to the final delivery at a global scale.
The company’s ability to remain independent and family-led for over 80 years remains a rarity in the packaging industry, a factor the new CEO credits for the deep trust built with the firm’s long-standing clients.
