Johnson Outdoors Announces New Group Vice President of Fishing Segment

Rhea-AI Summary

Johnson Outdoors Inc. announces the appointment of Bill Kirchner as the new Group Vice President, Fishing. Kirchner brings 25+ years of experience and success in growing consumer businesses. He will be responsible for strategic direction and driving innovative growth in the Fishing segment. Kirchner joins from Newell Brands, where he served as Senior VP & GM of the Outdoor Equipment segment.

RACINE, Wis., Aug. 08, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Johnson Outdoors Inc. (Nasdaq:JOUT), a leading innovator of outdoor recreation equipment and technology, today announced that Bill Kirchner will be joining the company as the new Group Vice President, Fishing. Mr. Kirchner will report to Helen Johnson-Leipold, CEO, Johnson Outdoors and be a member of the Company’s Executive Committee. In this role, he is responsible for providing the strategic direction and oversight, as well as driving innovative growth, for the Fishing segment.

Bill brings a wealth of experience and proven success in growing, building and reinventing consumer businesses. He joins the company from Newell Brands, where he served as Senior Vice President & General Manager of the Outdoor Equipment segment since 2020. Bill is a proven leader delivering omnichannel growth including a multifaceted turnaround of an outdoor recreation brand. Prior to that, he held various senior leadership roles of increasing responsibility at Amer Sports and Wilson Sporting Goods. He also earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Villanova University.

“I’m pleased to welcome Bill to our team. His 25+ years of experience and capabilities will be critical to our Fishing business, ensuring we continue to leverage our strengths in consumer-driven innovation and maximize opportunities in the outdoor recreation industry,” said Helen Johnson-Leipold, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

“As an avid fisherman, I am excited to join the Johnson Outdoors team and to lead the iconic Minn Kota, Humminbird and Cannon brands. I look forward to engaging our passionate anglers, partners and fishing team to develop future growth opportunities for our brands,” said Bill Kirchner.

About Johnson Outdoors Inc.

JOHNSON OUTDOORS is a leading global innovator of outdoor recreation equipment and technologies that inspire more people to experience the awe of the great outdoors. The company designs, manufactures and markets a portfolio of winning, consumer-preferred brands across four categories: Watercraft Recreation, Fishing, Diving and Camping. Johnson Outdoors' iconic brands include: Old Town^® canoes and kayaks; Carlisle^® paddles; Minn Kota^® trolling motors, shallow water anchors and battery chargers; Cannon^® downriggers; Humminbird^® marine electronics and charts; SCUBAPRO^® dive equipment; Jetboil^® outdoor cooking systems; and, Eureka!^®camping and hiking equipment.

Visit Johnson Outdoors at http://www.johnsonoutdoors.com

Patricia Penman
VP – marketing services & global communications
262-631-6600

FAQ

Who is joining Johnson Outdoors Inc. as the new Group Vice President, Fishing?

Bill Kirchner is joining Johnson Outdoors Inc. as the new Group Vice President, Fishing.

Who will Bill Kirchner report to in his new role?

Bill Kirchner will report to Helen Johnson-Leipold, CEO, Johnson Outdoors.

What will be Bill Kirchner's responsibilities in his new role?

Bill Kirchner will be responsible for providing strategic direction, driving innovative growth, and overseeing the Fishing segment.

Where did Bill Kirchner work before joining Johnson Outdoors?

Before joining Johnson Outdoors, Bill Kirchner worked at Newell Brands as Senior Vice President & General Manager of the Outdoor Equipment segment.

What is Bill Kirchner's educational background?

Bill Kirchner holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Villanova University.