Heelys Inc. appointed Tom Hansen as its new president and CEO,
effective August 1. Hansen is currently president of TM Advertising
(formerly Temerlin McClain) and brings more than thirty years of
strategic marketing, new product development and marketplace innovation
to his new position.
The company had been looking for a CEO since the resignation of Donald Carroll in February.
According to Heelys' statement, Hansen has created well known
advertising for clients ranging from Hallmark and McDonalds to Miller
Brewing Company. During his time at TM the company created the “Life
Comes At You Fast” campaign for Nationwide Insurance as well as the “We
Know Why You Fly” work for American Airlines. Both have received major
awards nationally and internationally and have been recognized as
leaders in the integration of digital and social marketing.
Hansen said, “I am extremely excited to join the Heelys team. Heelys
are one of the most innovative new products to come to market in the
last ten years. Theyre iconic, not only in the United States, but in
Europe and Asia as well. We plan to bring that same innovative,
entrepreneurial spirit to the creation of new products, new designs and
a new brand marketing effort that will provide the solid foundation for
Heelys to not only grow short term but to thrive for years to come.”
He
added, “I believe there are several cost and infrastructure
opportunities that can be optimized given the companys reduced sales
volume that should restore profitability very soon. We will address
those issues and begin to re-stage the Heelys brand day one.”
Gary
Martin, chairman of the board, said, “Tom is a perfect fit for Heelys.
In addition to his creative passion, he is a proven executive with
experience both building and restoring operations to their potential.
We recognize that this is a challenging retail environment for any
executive, but the board believes in Tom and his ability to restore
shareholder value.”
Hansen concluded, “Heelys is an incredible
opportunity. And we are committed to investing the time and talent to
make sure that we bring to bear everything necessary to maximize brand
value, grow the core business and reach out into new verticals.”
