Crownline expands management team
WEST FRANKFORT, Ill. – Crownline Boats, Inc. has added three executives to its senior management team, the company said in a statement yesterday. David Fischer has been appointed chief operating officer, Bob Ball has been named chief financial officer and Curtis Martin joins as vice president of sales and customer service. All will report directly to Kevin Riem, president and chief executive officer.
“We continue to build a team that will guide Crownline to the next stage of growth and help the company achieve its full potential,” Riem said. “Together with our equity investor, Pouschine Cook Capital Management, we are putting the pieces in place to strengthen our position in the powerboat industry. The strategic and operational experience that David, Bob and Curtis bring will be a tremendous asset to the organization.”
As COO, Fisher will have responsibility for all production activities. One of his major responsibilities will be to implement the Crownline Production System. This system is based on, and utilizes, the principles of the Toyota Production System. This company-wide initiative is intended to drive improved quality and streamline operations.
Fisher has many years of manufacturing management experience in executive positions including time as vice president and general manager of Mueller Canada, a waterworks products manufacturer; president and chief operating officer of Eagle Precision Technologies, a global designer and manufacturer of CNC machines; and president of Devtek Aerospace, a supplier of landing gear to Boeing, Airbus and the U.S. military. Prior to joining Crownline, Fisher worked as a consultant specializing in Lean manufacturing with several military and industrial clients, including Latex International, another company Pouschine Cook Capital Management owns.
Ball will work closely with Fisher and lead all finance operations, including strategic planning and corporate development, business analytics, management planning and accounting, according to the company. His duties include helping Crownline implement best practices in financial management and providing leadership to the entire finance team.
Ball comes to Crownline from tub/shower enclosure manufacturer Aqua Glass Corp., where he was president and general manager. Prior to that, he held a number of executive management positions with several Newell Rubbermaid companies, including Goody Products, Inc., Mirro/Supreme Co. and Newell International and Canada.
Martin brings knowledge of the entire distribution chain, including dealer prospecting, dealer training, dealer shows and dealer purchase programs, as well as experience with new product introductions, to the sales team, according to Crownline. He will manage Crownline’s sales teams, including inside sales, outside sales and customer service teams.
Martin has experience in multiple areas of the marine business, ranging from entry-level field sales to senior management positions, most recently as regional sales manager at Bennington Marine Products. Prior to that, he worked at Four Winns Boat Co., where he served as vice president of dealer development and vice president of sales.
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