Blackline Safety has appointed Jon Baldwin as Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Cody Slater following more than 15 years in the role.
Slater will transition to Board Chair and Chief Architect, where he will continue to contribute to the connected safety technology company’s product and technology strategy.
Connected technology experience
Baldwin brings more than 20 years of leadership experience across connected technology, sensing and hardware businesses.
Most recently, he led the Government Solutions business at Verra Mobility, a connected technology platform focused on traffic safety.
His previous positions include serving as President of Fortive’s Gems Sensors & Controls business.
Baldwin has also held senior leadership roles at Tektronix, Texas Instruments, National Semiconductor and Analog Devices.
His experience covers technology businesses operating across connected platforms, sensing technology and hardware.
Blackline Safety leadership transition
Slater’s move to Board Chair and Chief Architect follows a period of significant expansion for Blackline Safety.
During his tenure as Chief Executive Officer, annual revenue increased from C$2 million in fiscal 2011 to more than C$150 million in fiscal 2025.
The company’s technology offering also expanded beyond its original focus on lone worker protection.
Blackline now provides a connected safety platform covering gas detection, area monitoring, communications, cloud software and data analytics.
As Chief Architect, Slater will remain involved in shaping Blackline’s product and technology vision following the leadership transition.
Jon Baldwin said: “Blackline has built something truly differentiated — a connected safety platform that brings together purpose-built hardware, software, connectivity and data to protect people working in some of the world’s most demanding environments.
“I’m excited to join a company with such a strong mission, talented team and significant opportunity ahead. Cody and the Blackline team have built an exceptional foundation, and I look forward to building on that success and bringing Blackline’s technology to even more workers around the world.”
Cody Slater said: “Everything we’ve built at Blackline starts with protecting workers and using technology to help bring people home safe.
“I’m incredibly proud of how our team has turned that mission into a global connected safety company, and I believe the opportunity ahead of us is even greater. Jon brings an impressive combination of technology leadership, global operating experience and a proven ability to scale businesses, and I’m looking forward to working with him as Blackline continues to define the boundaries of what connected safety can do.”
Mac Fountain, Principal at Francisco Partners, said: “Blackline’s customers trust its technology with the safety of their people every day, and that trust is the foundation of the business.
“Jon knows how to take great products to more customers in more markets, and we are excited for him to extend Blackline’s reach and build on its product leadership.”
Christine Wang, Partner at Francisco Partners, said: “Cody’s leadership has shaped Blackline into the company it is today, and we’re pleased that he will remain an important part of its future as Board Chair and Chief Architect.”
