Kelly Grindle, group vice president of Marine Electronics for Johnson Outdoors, has also assumed leadership of Johnson Outdoors Watercraft paddle sports division. As a result, Mark Leopold, group vice president of Watercraft, is leaving the company.
Cynthia A. Georgeson, vice president of worldwide communication for Johnson Outdoors, said Leopold's position was effectively eliminated.
“We realized that there were a lot of opportunities for synergies between the Watercraft and the Marine Electronics businesses and we believe those synergies would be best realized by combining leadership at the top,” said Georgeson.
But Georgeson also praised the efforts of Leopold, who is staying on during the transition period.
“Mark has laid the foundation for future profitable growth in our Watercraft business,” said Georgeson. “His passion for the business was only equaled by his passion for the people and the company's values.”
Leopold's responsibilities included all business functions of the Old Town, Ocean Kayak, Necky, Extrasport and Carlisle brands. Just prior to joining Johnson Outdoors in 2001, Leopold was executive vice president and chief operating officer for Lacrosse Footwear.
As group vice president of Marine Electronics, Grindle's responsibilities include all business functions of the Minn Kota, Humminbird, Cannon and Geonav brands. Grindle joined Johnson Outdoors in 1999 as vice president mergers, acquisitions and strategic planning, and was named to his current position in 2000.
