
The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) elected its 2015-16 officers and directors during the organization’s recent annual meeting in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Here’s a rundown of the new leadership:
- OPEI Chairman: Lee Sowell, president of outdoor products with Techtronic Industries Power Equipment.
“I am proud to be part of the outdoor power equipment industry, a member of OPEI, on the board of directors for OPEI, and especially to be chairman for the 2015-16 year,” said Sowell. “I look forward to a productive year in this role – serving our industry and the OPEI member companies.”
- Vice chairman: Tim Merrett, vice president of A&T Global Platform and Turf & Utility, Deere & Company.
- Secretary/Treasurer: Daniel Ariens, president, Ariens Company.
- Immediate past chairman: Paul Mullet, president, Excel Industries.
Directors who will be continuing their service on OPEI’s board are as follows: Earl Bennett, general counsel, North America and Latin America, Husqvarna Group; Edward Cohen, vice president, government and industry relations, Honda North America; Tom Cromwell, group president-power, Kohler Company; Tim Dorsey, president, Echo; Marc Dufour, president, Club Car; Peter Hampton, president, Active Exhaust; Jean Hlay, president and COO, MTD Products; Michael Hoffman, chairman and CEO, Toro Company; Todd Teske, chairman, president and CEO, Briggs & Stratton; and Fred Whyte, president, Stihl.