Yakima Products, Inc. named Gerald T. Heinlen to the position of chief executive officer. The appointment is effective as of August 28.

Mr. Heinlen’s career includes nearly 20 years in consumer products, including 10 years with Waterloo Industries in Waterloo, Iowa, where he first served as vice president of marketing and new business development prior to his appointment as president and chief operating officer in 2002.

Before Waterloo Industries, Heinlen was a senior national account manager and channel manager with Skil-Bosch Power Tool Company in Chicago. In addition, he served as marketing manager for Dremel Manufacturing, a specialty tools business in Mount Prospect, Ill., and served in various marketing, brand management, and product development roles at Ore-Ida Foods, Inc., a subsidiary of the H.J. Heinz Co. in Boise, Idaho.

“We are impressed with Jerry’s leadership experience at both consumer and industrial goods companies,” said Chuck Griffith, Chairman of the Board for Yakima. “He brings to Yakima a proven track record and a marketing vision that, when combined with his extensive industry background, make him a natural to improve the company’s leadership position in the marketplace. He has the skills required to take Yakima forward and understands the transitions Yakima has recently undergone. We are confident that, when combined with Yakima’s energetic team, Jerry will be able to sustain Yakima’s success and growth.”

“This is a tremendous opportunity,” said Heinlen. “The powerful Yakima brand and its innovative, high-quality products bring true excitement to the marketplace. I look forward to working with the dynamic Yakima team and our customers to achieve even higher levels of growth and success.”

Mr. Heinlen holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York and an MBA from the University of Washington in Seattle, Washington. He is a member of the Young President’s Organization and founded the Steel User’s Roundtable. He also serves on the board of a number of organizations, including the Waterloo Development Corporation.