Supporting the strong business momentum of 2007, Yakima Products, Inc., an innovator in vehicle rack solutions for boats, bikes, winter sports gear, and cargo options, today announced an expanded management team with the addition of Ron Ten Berge as vice president of sales and business development, Mark Reis, as chief financial officer and John Hoppes as category business manager. All three will join the business this summer and will be located at Yakima’s headquarters in Beaverton.
“I am very pleased with the addition of these accomplished business veterans to our team,” said Jerry Heinlen, CEO of Yakima. “Each of them brings strong skills and a track record of success to the business. I look forward to their contributions as we build upon the solid business performance we are currently experiencing and launch new growth initiatives. Over the past year, we have made excellent improvements in customer service, delivery, product innovations and our supply chain. Ron, Mark and John will be excellent additions to our strong team and help take us to the next level.”
Ten Berge will work closely with Yakima’s retail community, nurturing existing relationships, adding new customers and integrating business opportunities, as appropriate. Reis will look after the financial well being of the company and facilitate continuous improvement initiatives in Yakima’s core business processes. Hoppes will have product line management and new product development responsibilities for Yakima’s hitch-mounted racks and cargo categories.
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Ten Berge has over 20 years of sales, marketing and general management experience. He recently served as executive vice president at Pure Fishing, Inc. in Spirit Lake, Iowa, and previously worked at Frito-Lay, Kraft Foods, Schering-Plough and the Wm. Wrigley Company.
Mark Reis joins Yakima from Waterloo Industries, Inc. of Waterloo, Iowa, where he was vice president and chief financial officer and handled development of business, financial, and supply chain strategies. Reis previously worked at American Highway Technology in Kankakee, Ill., J.I. Case Corporation in Witchita, Kans., Pilkington Libbey-Owens-Ford in Ottawa, Ill. and Symons Corporation in Des Plaines, Ill.
Hoppes also comes from Waterloo Industries where he was a senior manager for concept development. He previously held positions at Waterpik Technologies, Inc. in Fort Collins, Colo. and various product development positions with prominent consumer goods companies including Contico Manufacturing in St. Louis, Mo., Newell in Freeport, Ill and Sunbeam in Shaumburg, Ill.
About Yakima
Yakima is a world leader in the design and manufacture of destination hardware and gear management solutions. Yakima’s products include: vehicle racks for bikes, boats, ski equipment and gear; a line of cargo boxes and bags for a variety of needs; and Ground Control, an integrated gear management system for the home. Yakima Products is headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon. For more information, visit www.yakima.com.
