Jerry Heinlen Out as Yakima CEO

BEAVERTON, Oregon (BRAIN)— Yakima announced a reorganization of senior management on Tuesday, eliminating the position of CEO Jerry Heinlen.

Effective immediately, an executive management team will lead the company and report to C.S. Lin, owner of Kemflo International Ltd., which acquired Yakima in 2009, and chairman of the Yakima board. The team includes Mark C. Reis, chief financial/operating officer, Ron Ten Berge, senior vice president, chief marketing officer, Josh Creasman, vice president operations and supply chain and Richard Jeli, senior director, engineering.

“Each of these individuals has demonstrated strong leadership and delivered outstanding business results to the company,” Lin said. “I am confident in their ability to work together as a team and lead the company through the next phase of our global growth continuing the execution of our strategic plan. This U.S. team has been responsible for a tremendous growth period for Yakima, resulting in a record year for sales in 2010. Jerry Heinlen’s leadership and guidance during the past five years have been instrumental in positioning Yakima for its recent growth and acquisition activity. We wish him the best in his future endeavors.”

In addition, at the Hubco business located in New Zealand, Stefan Krueger will be promoted to general manager, reporting to the Yakima executive management team and Mr. Lin. Yakima acquired Hubco in December 2010.

“The company is making these changes to further support its global growth strategy and to streamline the integration of Yakima and Hubco,” continued Lin. “We have a tremendous international opportunity with the Yakima, Prorack and Whispbar brands to reach new customers and to energize the category.”

“Yakima is at the top of its game as a company and as a brand,” said Jerry Heinlen, Yakima's outgoing CEO, said in a press release. “Coming off of a record year in 2010 and an excellent start in 2011, the company is well positioned to continue its strong momentum.”