West Marine CEO to retire
WATSONVILLE, Calif. – West Marine CEO John Edmondson said he plans to retire from his current role at a future date to be determined and won’t renew his contract when it expires, the company reported in a press release yesterday.
“I believe that a new CEO would be the best person to lead the company going forward in the next phase of its growth and as a result have informed the West Marine Board of Directors of my decision not to renew my contract, which expires in 2005,” Edmondson said. “I am proud of what we have accomplished at West Marine in the building of a solid foundation, strategies and executive team to insure continued growth in earnings, sales and market share.”
West Marine has appointed a search committee to identify a new CEO, and the company said Edmondson is eager to continue with West Marine until such time as the search is concluded and his replacement has been fully integrated.
“Our board, our talented team of associates and I are all very grateful for the leadership that John provided the past 6 years,” said Randy Repass, Chairman. “John has built a very strong executive team and significantly strengthened West Marine’s support functions. Since John joined us our store count has increased from 212 to 365, sales have grown at a compound annual growth rate of 6 percent and earnings per share have grown at a CAGR of 37 percent.
“In our next CEO we are looking for a strategic professional who will continue the company’s successful growth and take West Marine to the next level of excellence. Because we have such a strong team and the company is so sound, we are confident that this CEO transition will be seamless.”
- For more of the latest news, click here.