John Deere’s Tim Merrett elected chairman of OPEI board

Updated Aug 18, 2016
Tim MerrettTim Merrett

The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) recently announced its 2016-2017 officers and board of directors. The officers and new board members were elected during the organization’s annual meeting, which was held June 21-23 in Asheville, North Carolina. They are as follows:

  • Chairman: Tim Merrett, vice president, global platform turf & utility, Deere & Co.
  • Vice chairman: Daniel Ariens, chairman and CEO, Ariens Co.
  • Secretary/Treasurer: Tom Cromwell, group president-power, Kohler Co.
  • Immediate past chairman: Lee Sowell, president-outdoor products, Techtronic Industries NA Inc.

“I am honored to be selected as chair,” said Deere’s Merrett. “We are addressing new challenges as our industry grows. We continue to build appreciation for the value and benefits of living landscapes and work to represent our members and their interests.

“We are also looking forward to our largest GIE+EXPO ever.”

OPEI is the principal shareholder and managing partner of GIE+EXPO, the landscaping industry’s largest trade show.

New OPEI directors this year include: Bjoern Fischer, president, Stihl; and Jeff Hohler, president, Consumer Brands Division, Husqvarna Professional Products.

OPEI-logoContinuing their service on the OPEI board of directors are Tim Dorsey, president, Echo Inc.; Tom Duncan, president and CEO, Positec USA Inc.; Edward B. Cohen, vice president-government and industry relations, American Honda Motor Co. Inc.; Marc J. Dufour, president and CEO, Club Car LLC; Peter Hampton, president, Active Exhaust Corp.; Jean Hlay, president and chief operating officer, MTD Products Inc.; Paul Mullet, president and CEO, Excel Industries Inc.; Rick Olson, president and chief operating officer, The Toro Co.; Todd Teske, chairman, president and CEO, Briggs and Stratton Corp.; and David Withers, president, Jacobsen, a Textron company.

OPEI represents more than 100 power equipment, engine and utility vehicle manufacturers and suppliers.

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