Benchmade Knives announced that its current President, Jon deAsis, has assumed the role as President & CEO effective immediately, replacing Roberta deAsis who filled the role after the sudden passing of her husband and founder, Les deAsis.
Jon takes this new strategic leadership role focused on guiding and solidifying Benchmade’s position in the market. Roberta will assume the position as Chairwoman of the Board.
“This is a big moment for our family as Jon takes on the mantle of president and CEO”, said Roberta deAsis. “Jon had been filling many of the CEO duties prior to the sudden passing of Les, and it was our longstanding goal to always be good stewards for Benchmade. I am proud to see Jon continuing to uphold the hallmark reputation that his father started.”
Jon grew up in the business, learning and preparing himself for this role through various positions inside and outside of Benchmade. He spent time working in China, honing his skills in supply chain and manufacturing management. Jon’s innate knowledge of the family business and global perspective within the knife industry drives him to continue to lead and evolve the brand.
“My immediate focus is to ensure that Benchmade continues to produce the finest cutlery in the world while increasing efforts to drive our technological edge,” said deAsis. “I now have the opportunity to guide this mission, while continuing to uphold my father’s memory and contributions to the knife industry in our core values.”
Jon has led Benchmade operationally through exceptional times for the brand, successfully navigating and supporting the business through both the global COVID-19 pandemic as well the passing of his father, company founder and former CEO, Les de Asis, in February of 2020.
Photo courtesy Benchmade Knives
