New Global Sales Manager Named and U.S. Sales Team Changes Announced
Pewaukee, WI, April 30, 2009––Harken today announced a reorganization of its Global and U.S. sales team to better serve its market. This reorganization sees three internal promotions and one staff reduction. Promoted into new roles are Mark Wiss (Global Sales Manager), Jim Andersen (U.S. Sales Manager), and Charlotte Taylor (U.S. Aftermarket Leader). As part of this reorganization, Tim Kent, former U.S. Sales Manager, is leaving Harken.

"This reorganization maximizes the experience we have within Harken of a long-standing, respected sales team,” explained Harken USA’s CEO Bill Goggins. “Harken has enjoyed great success throughout the years thanks to people like Mark, Jim and Charlotte, and we expect great things from this new, revitalized sales organization in the future.”

Mark Wiss—Global Sales Manager
Harken today announces the promotion of its 15-year veteran Mark Wiss to Global Sales Manager. This promotion fills the roles and responsibilities previously held by Commercial Manager Bill Goggins, who was promoted to CEO of Harken’s U.S.A. operations last fall. Previously, Wiss served as the company’s Global Grand Prix Racing Sales and Service Manager, and now will apply his strong approach for growing market share and proactive product development to Harken’s global network of customers and subsidiary offices. Mark will lead Harken’s global sales force, organized by customer types (Aftermarket, OEM, Grand Prix, Custom Yachts and Industrial), and will continue to lead Harken’s Grand Prix sales team.

Jim Andersen—U.S. Sales Manager
Jim Andersen will head Harken’s U.S. sales team and will be responsible for setting the overall strategic direction for this group. Serving the aftermarket, OEM’s, projects, and industrial customers in the United States, Harken’s U.S. sales force enjoys a diverse customer base—one of Harken’s greatest strengths. Prior to his new role heading up Harken’s U.S. sales force, Andersen was the company’s Northeast U.S. and Northern European Sales Manager, a role he held for over four years. His 20-plus years of experience in boatbuilding and strong technical background, along with his knowledge of the Harken product range and the needs of the customer, give Jim the experience and perspective required to excel in his new role. He will lead the seven-person sales team that is responsible for Harken’s U.S. customer base.

Charlotte Taylor—U.S. Aftermarket Leader
Long-standing retail specialist Charlotte Taylor has been promoted from her sales position to leader of Harken’s aftermarket. She will work with Jim Andersen on development and implementation of aftermarket strategies, and coordinate the Harken aftermarket sales team. Taylor has been in the industry for 16 years. She has been with Harken for nine years, managing Harken’s boat show team and popular Harken University series as well as the West Marine account. Her experience and understanding of the retail marketplace will help create well-organized and effective relationships with Harken’s distributors and dealers.

"The economic downturn has impacted all segments of the sailing industry," explained Bill Goggins. "We are using this downturn to our advantage by resizing and refocusing our sales team to serve the market in every way possible. We’re optimistic about Harken’s position for the future."

Harken, Inc. is a leading manufacturer and distributor of innovative sailboat hardware and accessories. Headquartered in Pewaukee, Wisconsin, Harken manufactures in the USA and Italy. Its network includes distribution offices in 45 countries, with subsidiary group offices located in Australia, France, Italy, New Zealand, Poland, Slovenia, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States (Rhode Island, California, and Florida).