The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) named its 2014-2015 officers and board of directors during the OPEI annual meeting, held in Palm Beach, Fla., June 17-19.
Officers for the 2014-2015 year include:
- Chairman Paul Mullet, president, Excel Industries;
- Vice Chair Lee Sowell, president, Techtronic Industries Co. Outdoor Products; and
- Secretary/Treasurer Tim Merrett, VP of A&T global platform and turf and utility, Deere & Co.
Todd Teske, chairman, president and CEO at Briggs & Stratton Corp. is the immediate past chair.
“OPEI is entering a new era of growth and engagement because of the ground work laid for many years by our board of directors,” said Kris Kiser, president and CEO of OPEI. “As the voice of outdoor power equipment, utility vehicle and small engine manufacturers, we are doing more to support manufacturers, advocate on their behalf, educate dealers and share safety standards and best practices within the industry and with consumers.”
Continuing their service on the OPEI board are:
- Daniel Ariens, president and CEO, Ariens Co.;
- Earl Bennett, VP and general counsel, Husqvarna Professional Products;
- Steven Bly, executive VP, Echo;
- Edward Cohen, VP of government and industry relations, American Honda Motor Co.;
- Tom Cromwell, president, Kohler Engines, Kohler Co.;
- John Cunningham, president of the consumer products group at Stanley Black & Decker;
- Marc Dufour, president and CEO, Club Car;
- Peter Hampton, president, Active Exhaust Corp.;
- Jean Hlay, president and COO, MTD Products; and
- Michael Hoffman, chairman and CEO, Toro Co.
