Lifetime Products, Inc. has appointed BJ Haacke as the company’s new president and CEO following the tragic passing of former president and CEO Richard Hendrickson in a car accident (read SGB Media‘s coverage here).

Selected by company founder Barry Mower for this new role, BJ Haacke brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of Lifetime’s operations to his new position.

BJ Haacke reportedly began his career at Lifetime Products in 1999 in the R&D shipping department and has since held numerous roles across various departments, including display management, accounts payable, finance, costing and budgeting, retail development, and sales. His diverse experience gives him a “holistic perspective on the company’s operations and strategic goals.”

Haacke has been a member of Lifetime’s board and has actively participated in executive meetings over the past two years.

“BJ brings a great perspective and enthusiasm with him to this role and his dedication and drive will help us to continue to achieve success in our operational and improvement strategies,” said Ted Esplin, chief operations officer at Lifetime Products, Inc. “I am pleased to welcome BJ to his new role as president and CEO of Lifetime Products and I look forward to working closely with him as we continue to grow and innovate in all of our product categories.”

Vince Rhoton, EVP of sales and marketing, stated that he “wholeheartedly and enthusiastically endorses the selection of BJ Haacke as the president and CEO of Lifetime Products.”

“BJ’s 25 years of experience in varied roles, his natural business talent, and his close family connection with the owners all elevate his ability to guide us into the next chapter,” offered Rhoton. “I admire BJ’s willingness to do this difficult job. I am inspired by the certainty that his motivation is pure – he’s going to selflessly put his talents and effort into this position because he wants to see this company and its people have the opportunities they need. And to do that, we need to produce high-quality innovative products, and grow profitably all the while. I will exert myself in every way to support him and my teammates as we ‘get back to work.'”

Haacke graduated from Weber State University in 2002 with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Finance.

Images courtesy Lifetime Products, Inc.