Brunswick Corporation Announces Nancy Cooper as New Board Chair

Rhea-AI Summary

Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC) announced the election of Nancy Cooper as its new non-executive Board Chair, effective November 1, 2020, succeeding Manuel A. Fernandez, who is retiring after over 20 years. Cooper, the first female Chair in Brunswick's 175-year history, has served on the Board for seven years, previously chairing the Audit Committee. Reginald Fils-Aime will join the Board in January 2021, bringing the total to 10 members. Cooper emphasizes the company's strategic focus and expresses gratitude for Fernandez's leadership.

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• Nancy Cooper becomes Brunswick's first female Board Chair, marking a significant milestone for the company.
• The Board's succession planning process appears robust, with the timely appointment of experienced leadership.

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• None.

METTAWA, Ill., Oct. 29, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC) today announced that the Company’s Board of Directors has elected Nancy Cooper as its new non-executive Board Chair, effective November 1, 2020.  Ms. Cooper succeeds Manuel A. Fernandez who has announced his intention to retire after more than 20 years of service to the Company. 

Mr. Fernandez joined the Board in 1997 as an independent director and served as lead director prior to becoming non-executive Chair in 2019.  Ms. Cooper, who has served as Chair of the Audit Committee and member of the Finance Committee during her seven-year tenure on the Brunswick Board of Directors, will be Brunswick’s first female Board Chair in its 175-year history.  As part of its succession process, the Board of Directors also recently elected Reginald Fils-Aime to the Board.  Mr. Fils-Aime will join the Board in January 2021, at which time the Board will re-establish its full complement of 10 members. 

"I am thankful to have worked with an incredible management team and inspiring group of Board members,” said Mr. Fernandez.  “Nancy’s appointment as the new Board Chair is indicative of the strength of our Board and is a result of our rigorous succession planning process.   I am confident that Nancy’s experience, coupled with the strength of the Brunswick management team, will continue to position Brunswick to lead the marine industry and I look forward to watching Brunswick’s future success.”

Ms. Cooper was formerly Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of software provider, CA Technologies. Prior to that she served in senior finance roles in several other large, technology-oriented public companies, including IBM. She currently serves on the boards of two other public companies: Aptiv PLC, a leader in vehicle architecture and technology to deliver smarter, safer mobility solutions, where she chairs the Audit Committee and is a member of the Innovation and Technology Committee; and the Mosaic Company.

“I am honored to be elected as the Brunswick Board Chair and thank the entire Board for its vote of confidence,” said Ms. Cooper. “This is an exciting time for Brunswick as we continue to successfully execute on our strategic plan as a marine focused Company. I want to thank Manny for his more than two decades of dedicated service to the Company and his outstanding leadership of our Board.”

About Brunswick

Headquartered in Mettawa, Ill., Brunswick Corporation’s leading consumer brands include Mercury Marine outboard engines; Mercury MerCruiser sterndrive and inboard packages; Mercury global parts and accessories including propellers and SmartCraft electronics; Power Products Integrated Solutions; MotorGuide trolling motors; Attwood, Garelick, and Whale marine parts; Land ’N’ Sea, BLA, Payne’s Marine, Kellogg Marine, and Lankhorst Taselaar marine parts distribution; Mercury and Quicksilver parts and oils; Bayliner, Boston Whaler, Crestliner, Cypress Cay, Harris, Heyday, Lowe, Lund, Princecraft, Quicksilver, Rayglass, Sea Ray, Thunder Jet and Uttern boats; Boating Services Network, Freedom Boat Club, NAUTIC-ON. For more information, visit https://www.brunswick.com.

Attachment

• Brunswick Corporation Announces Nancy Cooper as New Board Chair

FAQ

Who is the new Board Chair of Brunswick Corporation as of November 2020?

Nancy Cooper has been elected as the new non-executive Board Chair of Brunswick Corporation, effective November 1, 2020.

What significant change occurred in Brunswick Corporation's Board in October 2020?

Manuel A. Fernandez announced his retirement after more than 20 years of service, and Nancy Cooper was elected as the new Board Chair.

When will Reginald Fils-Aime join the Brunswick Corporation Board?

Reginald Fils-Aime will join the Brunswick Corporation Board in January 2021.

What previous roles has Nancy Cooper held before becoming the Board Chair of Brunswick?

Nancy Cooper was the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of CA Technologies and has held senior finance roles in other public companies, including IBM.

What percentage of Brunswick's Board is comprised of women after Nancy Cooper's appointment?

With Nancy Cooper's appointment as the first female Board Chair, the percentage of women on the Brunswick Corporation Board has increased, though the exact percentage depends on the total number of current board members.