Industry Vet Rounds Out New Watercraft Leadership Team
Just five months after closing its Ferndale, Wash., operations and moving everything in-house to its new facility in Old Town, Maine, Johnson Outdoors Watercraft Inc., home to Necky Kayaks, Ocean Kayak, Old Town Canoes & Kayaks and Carlisle paddles, introduced industry veteran David Hadden as its new Brand Director – Watercraft. A veteran of consumer product sales and marketing management in the outdoor, marine and fishing industries, Hadden joins Johnson Outdoors after successful tenures at Freedom Hawk Kayaks, Emotion Kayaks, and Dagger Kayaks.
In his new role with Johnson Outdoors Watercraft, Hadden will be responsible for leading all product line management, marketing, communications and branding efforts around the Necky, Ocean Kayak, Old Town and Carlisle collections. Hadden’s addition completes the new leadership team as Johnson Outdoors Watercraft sets its sights on future growth. He will report directly to Bill Kelly, Group Vice President – Watercraft and Outdoor Gear.
“David has a wealth of experience that will serve him well in the brand director role and we’re pleased to welcome him to the Johnson Outdoors family,” said Bill Kelly. “With David’s addition our product management and marketing team is now fully staffed as we look forward to continued growth, further innovation and overall success for our watercraft brands.”
Hadden has relocated to join the existing management team at the Johnson Outdoors’ facility in Old Town, Maine. He assumes his Brand Director role immediately and joins new hires Bob McDonough and Lucas LaBree at Johnson Outdoors.
“The history and heritage at Johnson Outdoors Watercraft runs deep and is everything a brand manager could ask for,” said Hadden. “I’m looking forward to upholding the proud foundation that our brands have been built on while advancing upon the incredible assets and storylines within the organization.”