Brunswick Corporation announced several executive management moves and promotions from within its ranks, aimed at better leveraging its deep management talent and sharing their skills and experiences across all of its market-leading businesses.
“We have a broad and truly wonderful group of accomplished managers within Brunswick,” Chairman and Chief Executive Officer George W. Buckley said. “The depth of this management pool — their skills, expertise, diligence and enthusiasm — is a primary reason why Brunswick has significantly improved its financial and operating performance in recent years, even while experiencing tremendous growth. These appointments will ensure that forward momentum continues as we seek new ways to continue to advance and grow all of our businesses and solidify our leadership in the marine, fitness and bowling and billiards markets.”
Peter B. Hamilton, Brunswick vice chairman and president – Brunswick Bowling & Billiards, will become president of Brunswick’s Life Fitness Division, reporting to Buckley. Hamilton has been in charge of bowling and billiards since 2000, and originally joined Brunswick in 1995 as its senior vice president and chief financial officer.
“A stalwart on our corporate staff, Peter has further distinguished himself as an excellent leader in operations, overseeing the revitalization and expansion of our bowling and billiards operations, including significant improvement of its operating margins and financial performance,” Buckley said.
At Life Fitness, Hamilton will succeed Kevin S. Grodzki, 49, who has headed the fitness segment since 2000. Grodzki will become president of Mercury Marine’s MerCruiser operations, the world’s largest maker of sterndrive engines and a unit of Mercury Marine. Grodzki will report to Patrick C. Mackey, president – Mercury Marine.
“Under Kevin’s guidance, Life Fitness has brought more than 100 new products to market,” Buckley said. “He also has been instrumental in ensuring that Life Fitness has the proper global manufacturing footprint to both better serve our markets and customers as well as improve productivity. Kevin has led Life Fitness growth in Europe, including the establishment of two new plants in Hungary.”
Grodzki will replace John W. S. Ward, 48, currently president – Mercury MerCruiser. Ward will return to Brunswick’s Boston Whaler offshore fishing boat operations, where he once was senior vice president of sales and marketing, to become president of Boston Whaler. Ward will replace Michael W. Myers, who recently was promoted to president – Saltwater Boat Group, which includes the Boston Whaler, Sea Pro, Sea Boss and Palmetto brands. Ward will report to Myers.
“John Ward is a marine industry veteran with a record of accomplishment on both the boat and engine sides of the business,” Buckley said. “He will strengthen an already capable management team that will greatly improve our presence in the growing offshore, saltwater fishing market.”
Stepping into Hamilton’s role will be John E. Stransky, 53, who is being promoted from president – Brunswick Billiards. In his new duties as president – Brunswick Bowling & Billiards, Stransky will report to Buckley as well as continue to be responsible for billiards until a replacement is named. Stransky has led billiards since 1998, where he has overseen a very successful and comprehensive re-branding effort.
“Our billiards business, where it all began 160 years ago, is still the leader in the market,” Buckley said, “attracting customers with exciting new products and traditional craftsmanship. John’s energy and vision are a big part of that success.”
All changes are effective immediately and transition activities are underway, according to Buckley.
