Brunswick names new presidents for Boston Whaler, Harris, Cypress Cay

Brunswick Corporation announced Friday it has named Nick Stickler as president – Boston Whaler.

He succeeds Huw Bower, who recently was appointed president – Brunswick Boat Group. Stickler, most recently was president – Harris and Cypress Cay Pontoons.  Stickler, whose new appointment is effective immediately, will report to Bower.

Succeeding Stickler at Harris will be Jorge Valdes, managing director – Brazil for Brunswick Boats.  Valdes will transition to his new responsibilities over the coming weeks.  As head of Harris and Cypress Cay, Valdes will report to Jeff Kinsey, president – Brunswick Freshwater Boats.

Since 2012, Stickler has been president – Harris and Cypress Cay pontoons, having previously served as vice president of operations for those brands at the Ft. Wayne, Ind., facility.  Stickler joined Brunswick in 2005, and for the next six years served in positions of increasing responsibility within the Company’s former bowling operations, before joining Harris/Cypress Cay.

While at Harris/Cypress Cay, Stickler championed the development and introduction of many new and popular models, broadening the product portfolio while driving market share gains in one of the industry’s fastest growing segments. In addition, he oversaw significant capital investment, including the capacity expansion and relocation to a new production facility.

“Nick has a very impressive track record of accomplishment, fostering strong distribution relationships and guiding the Harris and Cypress Cay brands to their premier leadership positions in the pontoon category,” Bower said.  “Boston Whaler is one of the industry’s most iconic brands and I am thrilled that Nick’s strategic insight, growth mindset and collaborative leadership style will perfectly complement the team at Boston Whaler.”

Stickler received both his baccalaureate degree and master of engineering from the University of Michigan, as well as an MBA from the Booth School of Business at the University of Chicago.

Jorge Valdes
Jorge Valdes has been managing director – Brazil since 2011.  He joined Brunswick in 2003, initially directing sourcing activities in Latin America.  In 2009, Valdes became director of business development for Latin America.

“A versatile marine industry professional, Jorge has been instrumental in advancing Brunswick’s presence in the Latin American region.  He planned and oversaw the construction of our boat production facilities in Joinville, Brazil, and developed and expanded our dealer network and support infrastructure there,” Bower explained.  “Jorge’s deep operations skillset, personal energy and customer focus will reinforce the strong growth trajectory of the Harris and Cypress Cay brands.”

Valdes has his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education in Monterrey, Mexico.  He also has his MBA from the University of North Carolina.

Brunswick has begun the process of identifying Valdes’ replacement.  In the interim, Brad Anderson, senior vice president and general manager – sport boat and cruiser category for Brunswick Recreational Boats, will assist in the transition and assume direct oversight responsibility for Brunswick’s Brazil operations.