Ron Huibers retires as president of Volvo Penta of the Americas

After 26 years with Volvo and seven as president of Volvo Penta of the Americas, it was announced today at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show that Ron Huibers has decided to retire from his current role and move to another role within Volvo Penta. Succeeding Ron will be Martin Bjuve, currently CFO and SVP Business Office Volvo Penta. The planned transition date will be January 1, 2020.

“The team, customers and industries we serve here have been exciting and rewarding,” said Huibers, the Boating Industry 2019 Mover & Shaker of the Year. “This role has been the best of my long career. I am thankful to have worked with great leaders and teams and establish stronger partnerships. However, as we have planned, I want to spend more time with my family and that has been difficult to balance given the travel demands of being president. The time is right to hand over the baton as the organization continues into the next stage of its journey.”

“With 26 years of distinguished leadership across Volvo Group at Volvo Penta, Volvo and Mack Trucks, Volvo Finance and Volvo Construction Equipment, Ron’s skills and experience developing business, teams and partnerships have paid dividends to the company and stakeholders,” said Bjorn Ingemanson, president and CEO Volvo Penta. “On behalf of Volvo Penta, I would like to thank Ron for his valuable contribution. His experience will still be available to the company, as Ron will help represent the company and support me as a senior advisor.”

Martin Bjuve, the successor to Huibers, has been with Volvo Penta for 17 years and is a member of the Volvo Penta executive group. As SVP and CFO, his responsibilities has included the overall strategy development, as well as process and IT. He has developed a broad commercial and customer experience in Volvo Penta.

Prior to being appointed global CFO, Bjuve was based in Chesapeake, Virginia, for five years, first as CFO for Volvo Penta of the Americas, and later also as VP of customer support. Earlier roles include CFO Region Europe as well as responsibility for sales of spare parts and accessories, and dealer development in the Nordic countries.

“During his many years at Volvo Penta, Martin has developed into a commercial leader, with a strong strategic vision,” said Ingemanson. “He will continue to build on the strengths that Volvo Penta has established in North and South America over the years. I am pleased to have Martin take on the leadership role given his strong and diverse experience. Martin will of course be a key person in developing our current business in the business region. Furthermore Martin is well suited for expanding the new businesses that we are currently developing, like the outboard offer as well as automation, connectivity and electromobility.”

Martin Bjuve said, “I am thrilled to take on this new role. Volvo Penta of the Americas is very special for me and my family. I look forward to leading the very strong team we have in the region and keep growing the diverse business we have together with our partners. The company has made great progress under Ron’s leadership. As we continue to innovate and grow in both the marine and industrial segments, we intend to build even further for the future. ”