The Coleman Company Inc. has realigned its product management and marketing under a consumer marketing executive from outside the outdoor industry. The company said it hired Jeff Willard, formerly of Lexmark and Helen of Troy, to the newly created position of SVP, global marketing and new product development. His job is to “achieve a more dynamic connection with consumers through customers, wherever they play outside.” 

Willard joins Coleman from Helen of Troy in El Paso, a leading marketer of personal care products, where he was VP of marketing for retail appliances. His has a history of successfully launching products, capturing market share and growing sales and profits with evolving or underdeveloped brands. His expertise is in marketing, sales, contract manufacturing, sourcing, mass-market channels and P&L management. Previously, Willard was VP worldwide marketing at Lexmark International, responsible for the $2.2 billion consumer inkjet printer division.