Brunswick Corporation on October 19 announced that it has named Andrew E. Graves, 50, president for the Brunswick Boat Group. Graves most recently served as president of U.S. Marine and Outboard Boats for Brunswick. Graves now will also have responsibility for the operations of Sea Ray and Meridian. He will continue to report to Dustan E. McCoy, chairman and chief executive officer of Brunswick Corporation.
"At Brunswick, we are always seeking ways to stay better aligned with the market as well as position the Company to emerge stronger from this downturn," McCoy explained. "An important part of this effort is to adapt our organizational structure to further simplify, integrate and strategically direct our industry-leading portfolio of boat brands. The changes we are making today will further refine our efforts to better coordinate activities among our brands, including product development and design, platform manufacturing and other operating and administrative functions that are common to our various groups.
"Since joining Brunswick in 2005, Andy has consistently demonstrated his leadership capabilities and foresight in helping to direct the transformation of our boat operations and manufacturing footprint, while skillfully guiding a large portion of our brand portfolio through the most challenging marine market in decades."
Most recently, Graves was president for U.S. Marine and Outboard Boats, a position he assumed in 2008. Graves joined Brunswick in 2005, originally as president for the Freshwater Group. Before coming to Brunswick, Graves was president of the Dresser Flow Solutions business of Dresser Inc., a leading maker of valves and control solutions for the oil and gas industry. From 2001 to 2003, he was president and chief operating officer for Federal Signal Corporation. Prior to 2001, Graves held positions of increasing responsibility with CNH Global NV and FMC Corporation.
Promotions at Sea Ray
Brunswick also on October 19 announced that it has named Robert J. Parmentier, 48, president for the Sea Ray Group, and Terry D. McNew, 47, executive vice president for product development and engineering, manufacturing and quality, concentrating on the Sea Ray, Bayliner and Meridian brands. Both actions are effective immediately, and both Parmentier and McNew will report to Graves.
Parmentier most recently was executive vice president for Sea Ray, overseeing a wide range of responsibilities, including that of the Meridian yacht brand, which was integrated into Sea Ray in 2008. Parmentier will retain responsibility for the Meridian brand, as well as assuming P&L responsibility for Sea Ray.
Parmentier joined Sea Ray in 1982, and has held a number of positions of increasing responsibilities over the years at both the plant and headquarters levels for Sea Ray. Prior to his most recent assignment, Parmentier had served as senior vice president for operations as well as senior vice president and general manager of Sea Ray.
"There are few as well versed or as highly regarded for his knowledge and savvy within the marine industry as Rob," McCoy said. "An accomplished industry veteran, Rob's expertise along with his familiarity and standing among our dealer network will ensure that Sea Ray and Meridian both maintain and advance their pre-eminent status among pleasure boat and yacht brands."
McNew most recently was senior vice president - product development and engineering (PD&E). McNew has spent most of his more than 20 years in the recreational boating industry with Sea Ray, beginning his career at Brunswick's PD&E facility in Merritt Island, Fla. He then progressed steadily through several key manufacturing roles before ultimately assuming the position of Sea Ray vice president for manufacturing in 2001. He left the company in 2004, to become president and chief executive officer of Correct Craft Boats in Orlando. McNew returned to Brunswick in 2006.
"Terry's contributions have been many to our organization over the years," McCoy said. "His marine experience, expertise and seasoned insight are invaluable in helping Brunswick to develop and produce superior and exceptional products that excite and satisfy boaters. In his new responsibilities, Terry will help to ensure that Brunswick continues its leadership role in producing great product."
Along with these developments, Brunswick noted that Richard C. Stone, president for Sea Ray Group, will be leaving the company. Stone has led Sea Ray since 2006, and had held a number of positions since joining Brunswick in 1985.
"Brunswick has benefited from Rick's expertise and industry knowledge," McCoy said. "His well informed counsel and advice will be missed. We thank him for his many contributions at Brunswick, and wish him well in the future."
About Brunswick
Headquartered in Lake Forest, Ill., Brunswick Corporation endeavors to instill "Genuine Ingenuity" in all its leading consumer brands, including Mercury and Mariner outboard engines; Mercury MerCruiser sterndrives and inboard engines; MotorGuide trolling motors; Attwood marine parts and accessories; Land 'N' Sea, Kellogg Marine, Diversified Marine and Benrock parts and accessories distributors; Arvor, Bayliner, Bermuda, Boston Whaler, Cabo Yachts, Crestliner, Cypress Cay, Harris, Hatteras, Kayot, Lowe, Lund, Maxum, Meridian, Ornvik, Princecraft, Quicksilver, Rayglass, Sea Ray, Sealine, Triton, Trophy, Uttern and Valiant boats; Life Fitness and Hammer Strength fitness equipment; Brunswick bowling centers, equipment and consumer products; Brunswick billiards tables and foosball tables.
