Greenville, S.C.’s Confluence Outdoor — which owns brands Wilderness Systems, Perception, Dagger, Mad River Canoe, Wave Sport, Harmony, Adventure Technology and Boardworks — announced the appointment of Richard Krause as CEO and president, effective Feb. 15.
Krause was announced as the new leader of Confluence Outdoor following the news that long-standing CEO and President Sue Rechner will be stepping down. She will continue to be a major shareholder in the company and support Krause during the transition.
“Sue built a world-class organization at Confluence Outdoor dedicated to product innovation and best-in class customer service,” said Paul Vigano, senior managing director at J.H. Whitney & Co., LLC, the private equity firm that owns Confluence Outdoor. “We’re confident that Rich will build on the strong foundation that Sue built and bring continued growth to Confluence and our retail partners.”
“After nearly a decade as part of the Confluence Outdoor family, I feel it’s time to move on. I’m proud of the amazing brands and the incredibly talented team that I’ve had the honor to work with – we built Confluence Outdoor into the global leader in paddlesports,” said Rechner. “I’m excited about the future of Confluence Outdoor under Rich’s leadership and look forward to seeing the brands, and the health and vitality of paddlesports, continue to grow.”
“On behalf of the entire Confluence Outdoor family, I offer our profound gratitude for Sue’s contributions and heartfelt wishes for success,” Vigano said. “She is leaving Confluence a much stronger organization and well positioned for the future.”
Krause joins Confluence Outdoor from FeraDyne Outdoors, LLC, where he served as CEO for the $70 million sporting goods company and its portfolio of industry-leading brands. He previously served as CEO of New England Confectionery Company, the oldest multi-brand confectionary business in the United States; and CEO of two Sun Capital Partners portfolio companies. Krause has a proven track record for developing and executing effective operating and growth strategies.
“I’m thrilled to join Confluence Outdoor. The company’s leadership position and innovation in the market offers a unique opportunity to address consumers’ growing demand for recreational sports where water and land meet,” he said. “J.H. Whitney & Co. is committed to Confluence Outdoor and I look forward to building on the momentum that Sue has built. We’re positioned to have a very strong 2017.”
About Confluence Outdoor®
Confluence Outdoor is the result of the blending of eight unique watersports brands: Wilderness Systems®, Perception®, Dagger®, Mad River Canoe®, Adventure Technology® paddles, Wave Sport®, Harmony® accessories, and Boardworks Surf®. With a full representation of canoes, kayaks, surf and stand up paddle boards, and a wide range of paddlesports accessories—ranging from touring and recreational to high-performance fishing and whitewater products, the Confluence brands can fully outfit paddling enthusiasts throughout all phases of their paddling life. Confluence Outdoor is located in Greenville, S.C. where they are proud to manufacture all of their boats. For more information about the company, visit www.confluenceoutdoor.com