RACINE, Wis., June 9, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Johnson Outdoors (Nasdaq:JOUT), a global leader in outdoor recreation equipment products, today announced it has appointed Gianluca Bugli, Director of Sales - Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) for the Company's Diving business. In this new position, Bugli will be responsible for development, harmonization and implementation of sales growth strategies and programs for the Company's dive brands across EMEA regions. These new responsibilities are in addition to Bugli's continued strategic oversight of European sales and marketing for the Company's Marine Electronics business.
"Great innovation, great brands and great people are cornerstones of our success. And, the breadth of our portfolio and global footprint enables us to tap into a vast pool of talent to help build marketplace momentum and drive growth for all Johnson Outdoors' brands around the world," said Helen Johnson-Leipold, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
Mr. Bugli has more than 25 years of professional experience in Europe, holding a variety of operational, sales and marketing positions of increasing responsibility for some of the region's leading boating and marine companies. He has been Director of Sales & Marketing, Europe for Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics' brands since 2010.
"Gianluca is an SSI certified diver who has been a loyal SCUBAPRO® consumer for many years. In addition to his proven business savvy, he brings great passion for the sport and our brands, and in-depth knowledge of our innovative technology and new product offering. As a result, he will hit the ground running starting Day 1. We are very excited to welcome Gianluca to our talented regional team," said Joe Stella, Group Vice President – Johnson Outdoors Diving.
"Gianluca has distinguished himself in Marine Electronics by consistently delivering outstanding results and for being an exceptional team player. He's the real deal, which is why I am very pleased that going forward our two businesses with the largest European footprint will benefit from his strategic oversight in the region," concluded Kelly Grindle, Senior Group Vice President – Marine Electronics and Diving, Johnson Outdoors.
ABOUT JOHNSON OUTDOORS INC.
JOHNSON OUTDOORS is a leading global outdoor recreation equipment company that turns ideas into adventure with innovative, top-quality products. The company designs, manufactures and markets a portfolio of winning, consumer-preferred brands across four categories: Watercraft, Marine Electronics, Diving and Outdoor Gear. Johnson Outdoors' familiar brands include, among others: Old Town® canoes and kayaks; Ocean Kayak™ and Necky® kayaks; Carlisle® paddles; Extrasport® personal flotation devices; Minn Kota® motors; Cannon® downriggers; Humminbird® marine electronics; LakeMaster® electronic charts; SCUBAPRO® and SUBGEAR® dive equipment; Silva® compasses; Jetboil® outdoor cooking systems; and Eureka!® camping and hiking equipment.
Visit Johnson Outdoors at http://www.johnsonoutdoors.com
CONTACT: AT JOHNSON OUTDOORS INC.
CYNTHIA GEORGESON
VP - WORLDWIDE COMMUNICATION
262-631-6600
