Burton Snowboards has promoted COO Mike Rees to the role of CEO. Rees, who has steadily taken on increasing responsibility at Burton over the last five years, will now be running day-to-day operations at the iconic snowboarding company.  


 

Rees ascension will allow Jake Burton to return to the role of company chairman and focus on evolving the brand’s world-class product lines.

 

“Four years ago when I got my old job back as Burton’s CEO, my goal was to get the company headed in the right direction, build up our leadership team and establish a clear plan for the long-term future of the brand,” said Jake. “Looking back, we’ve accomplished these goals and have a solid foundation in place. Now it’s time to turn over the day-to-day tasks of running Burton to a new CEO. Our entire board of directors, our executive team, Donna and myself trust that Mike is the right person for the job. He has the experience, skills and leadership qualities to take our vision and run with it. And I’ll still be around, giving product feedback, testing new gear, working with the creative crew and advising Mike.”


Rees, shown at right, has been instrumental at mapping out strategic, long-term plans since joining the company in 2009.


In a press release, Burton said Rees has proven his leadership skills time and again, ensuring that the company delivered consistent results and built a solid foundation for future growth. As CEO, he will head up product, marketing and sales, as well as operations and finance. While Jake Burton retains the founder and chairman role and Rees takes over as CEO, Donna Carpenter will continue as Burton’s president with responsibility for human resources, sustainability, legal and women’s business initiatives.
 
“Burton is an amazing brand with an incredible group of people behind it, and I’m excited about the opportunity to take on a new role within the company,” said Rees. “Jake’s passion for product and for the sport extends throughout the entire organization, and growing the snowboarding lifestyle has been at the heart of Burton’s success from the beginning. I look forward to working closely with Jake to carry out his vision for growing Burton both on and off the mountain.”
 
Burton, meanwhile, said he looks forward to focusing on what he does best.

 

“I have always claimed I have the best job in the world,” he said. “Now it’s even better with more time to ride and focus on the areas where I have the most impact.”