Bombardier announces new corporate structure

SAINT-BRUNO, Quebec, Canada – The newly established Bombardier Recreational Products announced this morning a series of changes made to the structure of the company, including the creation of a new management team, complete integration of the North American operations, and the relocation of the corporate office.

While there weren’t a lot of details provided regarding the integration of North American operations, the company’s president, Jose Boisjoli, announced that the company plans to relocate its corporate office from Saint-Bruno to Valcourt sometime this summer in addition to introducing a new corporate logo this spring. He als announced appointments to new positions.

“As a stand-alone company, we are faced with many additional financial responsibilities and major challenges such as the strengthening of the Canadian dollar compared to the U.S. dollar, which has a direct effect on us,” Boisjoli stated in a press release issued this morning. “This reality requires the establishment of an effective governance system in order to reduce our costs while maintaining the quality of our products and protecting the interests of our customers. The changes being made today to our corporate structure reflect this new reality.

“Our first priority is to find synergies between the product-related functions and the manufacturing sites, which should enable us to be more competitive and more profitable.”

The highlights of the organizational changes are the creation of two executive vice president positions and the appointment of a chief financial officer.

Roch Lambert, the vice president and general manager of the Bombardier Boats and Outboard Engines Division, will hold the new position of Executive Vice President, Product Development, Sales and Marketing for North America. This position is said to oversee Bombardier’s Sea-Doo watercraft and sport boats, Ski-Doo snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles, Johnson and Evinrude outboards, as well as parts, clothing, and accessories.

“I am honored by the trust placed in me, and I strongly believe that integrating the development and marketing management of all our products in North America will contribute to better serving our customers, with highly innovative and quality products at competitive prices,” Lambert said. “I was actively committed to the boat and outboard engine market, and I will be just as dedicated in all of our other markets.”

Mr. Alain Villemure has been appointed Executive Vice President, Manufacturing Operations for North America and China. Mr. Louis Morin will hold the position of Chief Financial Officer.

“The creation of synergies that will result from combining our strengths and experience in our manufacturing operations, for snowmobiles, watercraft and ATVs as well as for boats and outboard engines, can result in nothing less than a winning combination,” said Villemure regarding the relevance of integrating the manufacturing operations. “Our leadership is based on our ability to capitalize on our past successes and our know-how in terms of integrating our manufacturing technologies. I am honored to have been given this challenge.”

Michel Hade, as vice president and general manager, continues to be responsible for international sales and marketing for watercraft, sport boats, ATVs and outboard engines, as these activities represent a substantial growth potential for the company.

“These are people who have extensive experience and thorough knowledge of our markets and products. I am pleased that they have accepted this mandate and am confident that their work within the new management team will greatly contribute to our success,” stated Mr. Boisjoli.

• For more of the latest news, click here.