Marine Mover – Brunswick names president of Latin America Group

LAKE FOREST, Ill. – William Gress has been named president of Brunswick Corp.’s new operating unit, the Latin America Group, the company said in a statement yesterday.

Gress will continue in his current role as vice president of supply chain management for Brunswick as well.

“Brunswick is getting closer to markets around the world, not only by selling and making products throughout the globe, but also by expanding our knowledge and understanding of these markets’ unique characteristics,” said George Buckley, chairman and chief executive officer. “As our international business has grown and gained in importance, we have established organizations to mine opportunities and solidify our presence in Europe and Asia. The impact of these organizations can be seen in Brunswick’s increasing international revenues.”

“Though we have served Latin America for many years, we believe it is fertile ground for expanding our business,” Buckley said. “Bill will focus initially on developing a comprehensive strategy to grow our various Latin American marine businesses. His contributions to Brunswick’s recent success have been numerous, and we know he will provide energy, focus and resolve to this new task.”

Gress has been with Brunswick since 1993, when he joined its Mercury Marine Group, where he held a number of positions, including general manager of MerCruiser Diesel and vice president of global development. Gress will be based in Lake Forest until a headquarters site is chosen for Brunswick Latin America.