West Marine hires retail executive as new CEO
West Marine has hired retail executive Ken Seipel as the company’s new CEO. Seipel is an experienced leader with a strong track record helping grow privately held retail companies, as well as Fortune 500 brands.
He was most recently CEO of Gabe’s and prior to that held executive positions with a wide range of retail organizations including Old Navy, Target and JCPenney.
“It is an honor to join the West Marine team. For more than 50 years, West Marine has been the best outfitter of boating-related products and gear. I am excited to lead the brand as we strengthen our market position in boating products, improve our customer value proposition, and enhance our core customers ability to make the most of their boating experience,” Seipel said.
In addition to his extensive retail experience, Seipel is an avid outdoorsman, and enjoys farming and amateur photography.
He has served on numerous community boards and participates as a volunteer for the United Way, Salvation Army and youth athletics.
Hope he gets the pricing under control. Allow the local managers to stock what that store needs to sell not what corporate deems best. Welcome aboard to a great company.