Hatteras Yachts appoints Kelly Grindle as CEO

Hatteras/Cabo Yachts LLC has appointed Kelly Todd Grindle as the company’s new chief executive officer as of Jan. 23. Grindle served most recently as president – outdoor products at Vista Outdoor Inc., in Overland Park, Kan., a $2.3 billion designer, manufacturer and marketer of consumer products in the outdoor sports and recreation markets.

“We are pleased to have recruited a senior executive with the industry knowledge and experience to lead Hatteras Yachts through its next phase of growth,” said Gregory Segall, chairman of Hatteras and CEO of its shareholder Versa Capital Management, LLC. “Kelly Grindle is an acknowledged leader in the outdoor sports and recreational marine industries, and will have a positive impact on our ability to deliver the best quality yachts to Hatteras customers today, and to continue the company’s long tradition of pioneering innovative design and technology in the future.”

Grindle brings to Hatteras Yachts his extensive experience in the recreational marine manufacturing sector. Prior to Vista Outdoor Inc., he spent 15 years as senior group vice president, marine electronics, watercraft and diving at Johnson Outdoors, Inc. in Racine, Wis., maker of Minn-Kota, Humminbird, SCUBAPRO and Old Town. During his tenure at Johnson Outdoors, Grindle is credited with restructuring and turning around the Watercraft Division, as well as quadrupling the size of the Marine Electronics Group through strategic acquisitions and organic growth spurred by innovation.

“I’m excited to join an iconic American brand that is recognized as a leader in building highly coveted sportfishing and motor yachts,” said Grindle. “I look forward to working with the Hatteras team to drive new growth through innovation and exceptional customer service.”