Global giant changes team amid local strategy

As Rapala VMC continues its strategic plan to bring decision making closer to local markets, the move means the loss of three of its global management team.

Executive vice-presidents Päivi Ohvo, Enrico Ravenni and Joni Tuominen have decided to pursue new career opportunities outside the Rapala VMC Group.

Earlier this year, the group said its focus was on becoming the best partner in the business and was working to make more key decisions at local level while defining clear country and regional accountabilities.

All three leavers are working to assist in transferring their current duties to the other members of the group, explained Rapala VMC Corporation president and CEO Lars Ollberg.

Meanwhile, executive vice-president David Neill will also step down from the team and return to his former position of president of Rapala Canada. Neill will be reporting to Marcus Twidale, president of Rapala USA.

The group also confirmed it will not look for replacements, meaning the team will reduce in size from 11 to seven – responsibilities of the exiting team members will be distributed between the remaining seven or otherwise reorganised.

Chief Operating Officer Jean-Philippe Nicolle will strongly focus on European performance improvement initiatives in addition to his global duties. He will report to deputy CEO Cyrille Viellard and will continue as a member of the global management team.

Lars added: “I want to thank Päivi, Enrico and Joni for their outstanding service for Rapala VMC Corporation during all those years we’ve shared together. I wish you all the best in the future.”

Rapala, which has key manufacturing facilities in Finland, France, Estonia and the UK, includes a range of well-known tackle brands including Rapala, VMC, Sufix and 13Fishing as well as Okuma in Europe.

www.rapalavmc.com

X