Kress promotes two OPE veterans

Positec Group, parent company of Kress Commercial, has promoted two industry veterans to top leadership positions as the company positions for continued growth.

• David “DJ” Johnson, with more than 20 years at Positec, has been promoted to president and CEO Positec Americas.
• Todd Zimmerman, with 6 years as VP of product development at Positec, has been promoted to senior vice president, Kress dealer sales, operations and product.

David DJ Johnson

Johnson has served as vice president, President Europe and, most recently, EVP Positec Americas. Johnson was integral to the introduction of the Worx consumer brand as well as the 2022 launch of Kress Commercial, Positec’s first line of outdoor power equipment designed for landscape and lawn care professionals. Throughout his tenure, he has seen the adoption of electric equipment for homeowners as well as large-scale adoption of electric outdoor power equipment with lawn care professionals, turf managers and golf course superintendents. Prior to joining Positec, Johnson served two decades in category-specific leadership roles.

“DJ is a cornerstone of Positec’s success over the past 20 years, and brings deep knowledge to the position of president and CEO,” said Don Gao, founder and Global CEO of Positec Group. “His adeptness to effectively set strategy and guide teams will be pivotal as Positec’s brands continue strong growth.”

Todd Zimmerman

Zimmerman joined Positec as vice president of product development in 2019. With strong credentials in power tools, battery equipment and automation, he was essential in the development of the Kress Commercial 8-minute CyberSystem, Kress’ autonomous mowers and proprietary RTK navigation network. In addition to product development, Zimmerman helped unveil Kress Commercial to dealer networks and landscape company owners as the only viable solution for professionals to grow their businesses through switching from gas to battery-powered equipment. As VP of product development, Zimmerman also introduced new battery-powered and autonomous solutions through Positec’s Worx brand, including the introduction of Landroid and Landroid Vision.

“Todd’s product expertise and passion for the brand makes him the ideal candidate for senior vice president. Not only does he provide unparalleled insight to the development of best-in-class products, but he also excels in providing best-in-class service to our dealer network and end users,” said Gao.

The promotion of Johnson and Zimmerman marks another step forward for the Kress brand and Positec Group as a whole. Kress has seen significant adoption over the past three years in professional landscaping, sports turf maintenance, municipalities and on golf courses—largely through Johnson’s and Zimmerman’s leadership. Their promotion signifies Positec’s commitment to developing effective and visionary leaders and comes at a time when Kress is moving into its next phase of development with big advancements to be unveiled at Equip Expo.