Left to Right: Bob Sweet, Bill Goggins, Olaf & Peter Harken, Giampaolo Spera, Andrea Merello
Founders Peter and Olaf Harken Remain Active as Owners and Chairmen of
the Board
October 28, 2008—Pewaukee, WI—Peter and Olaf Harken and their Board of Directors announced today their appointment of Harken Yacht Equipment’s new leadership team. The purpose of these appointments is to carefully position Harken for continued success in the future.
Harken Italy's General Manager Giampaolo Spera has been named CEO for Harken's Global Operations. Giampaolo will also continue as Harken Italy’s General Manager. Harken's Commercial Manager Bill Goggins has been named CEO of Harken USA, and will report to Spera. The Board also named Andrea Merello as Harken Italy's Vice General Manager. Bob Sweet will continue as Harken's Global CFO and will now report to Spera. The announcement of the new leadership team does not involve any change of ownership to Harken. Peter and Olaf Harken will continue to own the business and remain active in the company in their role as Co-Chairmen of the Board of Directors.
"Investing in the strongest leaders that have helped us get to where we are today makes the most sense for Harken’s future," explained Peter and Olaf Harken. "Just like in yacht racing, you want to hand over the helm in the most planned and smooth transition possible. This is an announcement of our continued involvement with our company, and more importantly our continued investment in our people and in our company's future," explained the Harken brothers.
Giampaolo Spera is an 18-year veteran at Harken. Prior to becoming Group CEO, Giampaolo was Harken Italy's General Manager and was responsible for Harken's second largest operation in the world. Giampaolo successfully transitioned Harken to be the world’s leading winch supplier. He also has led a recent modernization, building new facilities for Harken Italy that incorporate modern approaches to management and manufacturing.
Bill Goggins has been with Harken for 10 years. Prior to becoming Harken USA's CEO, Goggins was the company's Commercial Manager, responsible for Harken's global marketing and sales teams. Bill was central to strengthening Harken’s international marketing and brand management amongst each Harken subsidiary. He also helped reorganize Harken’s international sales teams. As a volunteer, Bill is currently President of Sail America, the United States sailing industry association.
Andrea Merello has been with Harken for 13 years. Prior to becoming Harken Italy's Vice General Manager, Andrea was Harken Italy's Technical Director, guiding the company to its leadership position in winch development over the past ten years. Andrea’s creativity and uncanny ability to organize people and processes is second-to-none. In his new role, Andrea will be second in line at Harken Italy, ensuring strong leadership as Giampaolo focuses on Harken's global operations.
Bob Sweet is a 20-year veteran at Harken. Bob will play a greater role in global strategic planning of Harken. Bob’s understanding and planning of Harken’s global financial operations are a significant value to Harken through this important transition and beyond.
Three other key long-term Harken leaders continue in their positions: Art Mitchel, 30 years, Director of Operations, Rose Sorensen, 39 years, Corporate Secretary and US Human Resources Manager, and Linda Otzelberger, 37 years, US Operations Manager.
Peter and Olaf Harken explain, “We’re investing in our future with our greatest asset – our people and our team’s experience. With these changes, we’re hoping to get involved in the areas where we can best serve our customers and grow our people. To do so we have promoted key leaders from within the Harken organization and will continue our involvement in our company and the industry we love.”
Copyright© 2008 Harken, Inc. All rights reserved
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