OPEI announces 2016-2017 officers and directors
The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) recently announced its 2016-2017 officers and board of directors. The officers and new board members were elected during the OPEI annual meeting, which was held June 21-23 in Asheville, N.C.
Officers for the 2016-2017 year are as follows:
- OPEI Chair: Tim Merrett, vice president, global platform turf & utility, Deere & Company
- OPEI Vice Chair: Daniel Ariens, chairman & CEO, Ariens Company
- OPEI Secretary/Treasurer: Tom Cromwell, group president – power, Kohler Company
- Immediate Past Chair: Lee Sowell, president – outdoor products, Techtronic Industries, N.A., Incorporated
“I am honored to be selected as chair,” said Tim Merrett. “We are addressing new challenges as our industry grows. We continue to build appreciation for the value and benefits of living landscapes and work to represent our members and their interests. We are also looking forward to our largest GIE+EXPO ever.”
New directors this year include Bjoern Fischer, president, Stihl Inc., as well as Jeff Hohler, president, consumer brands division, Husqvarna Professional Products.
Continuing their service on the OPEI board of directors are Tim Dorsey, president, Echo Incorporated; Tom Duncan, president & CEO, Positec USA, Inc.; Edward B. Cohen, vice president – government & industry relations, American Honda Motor Company Inc.; Marc J. Dufour, president & CEO, Club Car LLC; Peter Hampton, president, Active Exhaust Corporation; Jean Hlay, president & COO, MTD Products Inc.; Paul Mullet, president & CEO, Excel Industries, Inc.; Rick Olson, president & CEO, The Toro Company; Todd Teske, chairman, president & CEO, Briggs & Stratton Corporation; and David Withers, president, Jacobsen, A Textron Company.
“Many new developments are happening throughout the outdoor power equipment industry,” said Kris Kiser, president and CEO of OPEI. “Our board officers and directors will provide steady leadership as our association evolves. The industry is undergoing many changes. It’s an exciting time for our industry and members.”
