West Marine, Inc. has announced that Eric Nelson, vice president — Finance, will be assuming a new role as senior vice president and chief financial officer effective May 7, 2003. Nelson, age 46, joined the Company in March 2000 as vice president and controller and has progressed steadily to his current position.
Nelson spent 10 years with the May Department Stores, serving in multiple financial and operational capacities at the divisional and corporate level. Following May Department Stores, Nelson served as chief financial officer at Etcetera Retail Stores, Fluid-Air Components and Dental Components, Inc.
Russell Solt, West Marine’s incumbent chief financial officer, will remain in his current position until May 7, 2003, assisting Nelson in an orderly transition. Solt will then assume an important part-time position as director of Investor Relations, working primarily from his home in Oregon.
Said John Edmonson, president and chief executive officer, “Russell has done a tremendous job for West Marine these past few years, but, at age 55, his desire to spend more time with his family in Oregon has led to his decision to step down from his current position. Eric has earned this promotion and will make an outstanding Chief Financial Officer for the Company.”
