Lew’s officials have announced that Chris York will be joining the company this month as chief operating officer, and that employee Dave Hinke has been promoted to vice president product development.
York brings 20 years of global manufacturing, distribution and logistics experience to the position, having spent nearly a decade working for companies associated with the sporting goods industry.
He has worked for Jarden Outdoor Solutions, K2 Inc., and KEE Action Sports, leading each through highly successful growth initiatives that included extensive operating processes integrations, multi-site facilities management, and worldwide supply chain efficiencies complemented by strategic manufacturer partnerships.
Most recently, York was vice president of operations for KGPCo, one of the nation’s largest single-source supply chain providers to the telecommunications industry.
“Chris has a reputation of being a dynamic leader with a proven track record of successfully driving operational initiatives, building strategic partnerships with vendors, and facilitating rapid growth for Angelo, Gordon & Co., Jarden Corporation, Federated Department Stores and others,” said Lew’s CEO Gary Remensnyder. “In addition to his expertise, we also like his engaging-relationship management style which fits our Lew’s culture perfectly. We know he’s going to be a great addition to our leadership team responsible for driving our own plans for continued growth.”
“I’m a consumer products guy at heart and my previous outdoor products business knowledge make this Lew’s opportunity a great one for me,” York said. “It’s bringing me back to a passion sport that has always been a part of my life and remains a family tradition of enjoyment. Lew’s has great momentum and tremendous potential, so I’m excited to get started.”
York begins his Lew’s employment on July 10.
Dave Hinke joined Lew’s in 2015, serving as the company’s director of business development and being responsible for reel development and special projects.
He is a sporting goods industry veteran with more than 35 years of experience in store management, distribution sales, product management and retail merchant positions with industry leaders such as Folsom, Galyan’s and Bass Pro Shops.
Hinke’s background and personal fishing experiences have contributed to an astute understanding of fishing’s complex regional and species implications that are part of the overall fishing tackle development processes that lead to successful introductions.
“Developing fishing products is my absolute favorite part of my long industry career. Not only does it keep me connected to my deeply rooted passion for fishing, it also fuels my competitive business instincts. Adding to the enjoyment of what I do is Lew’s ongoing commitment to innovation and I like that challenge, too,” Hinke said.
“Dave is a great asset to our company and certainly has earned this promotion. He has a gift for bringing products to market that meet every demand of the business equation from profitability to value to consumer satisfaction,” Remensnyder added.
For more information on Lew’s, visit www.Lews.com
By: Gary Dollahon, Dollahon PR
