Heelys, Inc. said its SVP of marketing Don Carroll was been named president and CEO, effective May 20. Ralph T. Parks, who served as interim CEO since January 29, 2008, will remain a member of Heelys’ board of directors.


Carroll joined Heelys on January 2, 2008 as senior vice president of marketing, a newly created position for the company. Prior to joining Heelys, Carroll served as managing director of Vector2Group, a Dallas-based management consultancy firm that he co-founded.  Prior to forming Vector2Group in 2006, Carroll served as chief marketing and brand officer for RadioShack Corporation. 


“Don is both a leader and team builder and Heelys will benefit immensely from his increased level of responsibilities,” said Parks.


Since joining Heelys, Carroll has served as a member of the company’s executive team and provided leadership over the company’s strategy development, brand management, marketing, intellectual property portfolio and product development. His synergistic leadership style and commitment to product innovation make him a natural choice for the position.

“Don is an exceptionally gifted and collaborative leader who possesses a unique combination of strategic thinking, branding and operational expertise.  In his short tenure with Heelys, he has demonstrated leadership in the development and implementation of the company’s long-term business plan,” said Gary L. Martin, chairman of Heelys’ board of directors.  “We anticipate a very smooth transition and are confident that Don has the strategic vision to take Heelys to the next level.”


Carroll began his RadioShack career in 1998 and rapidly ascended into executive management, becoming the youngest Vice President and Senior Vice President in RadioShack history.  Carroll’s seven promotions in less than eight years included roles in Marketing Communications, Product Marketing, Wireless Marketing, Business Unit General Management and Strategic Planning.  He is widely seen as having both a strategic mindset and the ability to drive cross functional execution.   His broad operational background, keen leadership skills and professional reputation made him the ideal change agent to plan and execute strategic initiatives such as spearheading RadioShack’s $1.4 billion wireless carrier transition.

Carroll’s other notable accomplishments include modernizing the corporate marketing mix, reviving a struggling $1.3 billion Business Unit, launching multiple branded store-in-store concepts and reigniting product, promotion and retail format innovation to drive differentiation.
In 2002, he created Zip Zaps, miniature radio controlled cars exclusive to RadioShack, to position the consumer electronics leader as a product innovator and thought leader and to drive holiday sales in a down economy.  Zip Zaps became one of the most popular holiday gifts in North America.


Previously, Carroll spent six years with Ogilvy & Mather where he was recognized as one of the firm’s top 20 worldwide talents.