BRP Inc. (TSX:DOO) today announced changes to its Management team. These changes will be effective May 1, 2014.
“BRP will soon be celebrating its first year as a public company and as we accelerate our global growth strategy, I am implementing changes designed to better leverage our strong product brands and global footprint,” stated José Boisjoli, president and CEO. “As part of these changes, I am pleased to announce new roles for Sébastien Martel and Chris Dawson, and to welcome Anne Bélec to BRP.”
Sébastien Martel is appointed Chief Financial Officer where he will be responsible for all corporate finance including consolidation and reporting, tax, treasury as well as the Corporate Communications, Public Affairs and Investor Relations function.
Mr. Martel was most recently vice-president, Strategic Planning and Business Development where he most notably coordinated BRP’s initial public offering process. Before that, he held ever increasing roles in the finance organization, including vice-president, Finance and Controls. Mr. Martel has been with the company since 2004.
Chris Dawson is appointed vice-president and general manager, Global Sales and Consumer Experience where he will be responsible for global sales management, go-to-market activities, network development, customer relationship management, after-sales service, and parts, accessories and clothing (PAC).
His first mandate is to merge the North America and International divisions to capture synergy opportunities and continue our focus on consumer experience. Mr. Dawson was most recently vice-president and general manager, International division where he significantly grew revenues from international over the past years. Before that, he held ever increasing roles in marketing, strategy and business development. Mr. Dawson has been with the company since 1998.
The Company also announced the appointment of Anne Bélec to the newly-created position of senior vice-president, Global Marketing, Strategy and Information Systems.
Ms. Bélec brings over 25 years of business experience, primarily in the automotive industry. Through 2009, she held increasing senior management positions in marketing, sales and product planning, and business development with the Ford Motor Company. During her tenure at Ford, she was CEO of Volvo Cars of North America between 2005 and 2008. In 2009, she joined Navistar International Corporation as vice-president, Chief Marketing Officer. Most recently, Ms. Bélec was a consultant with Russell Reynolds and Associates. She will relocate to the Company’s headquarters in Valcourt, Canada.
Claude Ferland, currently vice-president and chief financial officer, and Yves Leduc, vice-president and general manager for North America will be in function until May 1, 2014 and will remain available to ensure a smooth transition until June 1, 2014.
“Claude and Yves have both played a role in making BRP a leader in the power sports industry and their contribution to BRP’s recent successful initial public offering was invaluable. I want to thank them for all the years of dedication to the organization and we all wish them well in their new endeavours,” added Boisjoli.
BRP (TSX: DOO) is a global leader in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and marketing of powersports vehicles and propulsion systems. Its portfolio includes Ski-Doo and Lynx snowmobiles, Sea-Doo watercraft, Can-Am all-terrain and side-by-side vehicles, Can-Am Spyder roadsters, Evinrude and Rotax marine propulsion systems as well as Rotax engines for karts, motorcycles and recreational aircraft. BRP supports its line of products with a dedicated parts, accessories and clothing business. With annual sales of over CA$3 billion from 105 countries, the Company employs approximately 7,100 people worldwide.
