CHINO HILLS, Calif. (Business Wire) -- Jacuzzi Whirlpool Bath announces several major appointments from the executive level down as part of the company's strategic initiative to infuse resources behind its commitment to innovation and leadership in the bath category. Robert I. Rowan, 48, has been selected to spearhead the initiative in the position of president of the Jacuzzi bath business unit. Rowan will report to Tom Koos, president and CEO of Jacuzzi Brands Corp.
Most recently, Rowan was with Black & Decker, where he was president of the company's construction tools business unit.
"I've had the pleasure of working with Bob in the past and am excited to have someone with his experience and capabilities join the team," says Koos. "Bob brings many talents, including the ability to anticipate changes in markets and to drive initiatives that effectively position the business for success."
Drew Meng joins the organization in the newly-created position of vice president of marketing--product and channel. Meng also hails from Black & Decker, where he spent the past eight years of his career, most recently as vice president of marketing for the automotive and electronics business. His varied roles--from product manager for Dust Buster to director of product marketing for the consumer power tools business--afforded Meng broad experience in product development, resulting in a strong track record of profitable business growth. At Jacuzzi, he will lead the new team of product managers and will serve as a vital link in guiding future product directions and deployment. Meng reports to CMO Michelle Cervantez.
Erica Moir moves into the new position of vice president, industrial design and new product engineering. With nearly a decade of product development experience at Jacuzzi Spa Division and degrees in visual arts and industrial design, Moir expands her senior role with the company to lead product design for Jacuzzi North American operations.
William Smelley has been named senior director of e-marketing. With a solid background in marketing, advertising and branding, Smelley will apply his education and knowledge earned in marketing leadership roles at entrepreneurial internet start-ups and Fortune 500 companies to enhance Jacuzzi web presence and capitalize on CRM opportunities.
Tracine Andrus has been appointed director of marketing for baths. Her experience in marketing was honed through several sales and marketing roles at Black & Decker, including serving as channel marketing manager for major national retailers and specialty accounts. In her most recent role as product manager, Andrus launched or managed several high-priority consumer products. Under Drew Meng, Andrus will be responsible for product marketing and product development direction for Jacuzzi bathtub lines.
Anthony Pasquarelli, communications manager, will lead internal and external communications, public relations and trade association relations in his expanded role with the company.
Dane Parreira has been appointed eastern region sales manager. Most recently Parreira was director of sales for Dorman Products, Inc. Previously, he spent 13 years with a major kitchen and bath manufacturer where he held positions as zone sales director and national account manager for its largest big box retailer.
This staff joins other recent additions and veterans including:
Dawn Wells, director, marketing communications and strategy, will define and execute North America advertising, promotions, events and collateral across all brands and products.
Andy Stokely, manager, product training & wholesale channel, will handle the wholesale channel and deliver product training internally and externally.
Dale Carruthers, product manager - showers, faucets and china, will continue to champion growth in this segment by introducing new showers and systems that expand Jacuzzi presence in the marketplace.
Mike Roberts, director, marketing - retail, continues as the single point of contact for key national retail accounts.
"As we forge ahead in the luxury market, we will continue to invest manpower and capital to make more resources available for our ongoing marketing initiatives," Koos says. "These key new hires complement the depth of talent currently on board as we continue to bring new energy to the marketplace."
About Jacuzzi Whirlpool Bath
As the nation's leading whirlpool bath manufacturer, Jacuzzi Whirlpool Bath is an industry innovator credited with inventing the world's first whirlpool bath. Jacuzzi has become the world's most recognized and largest selling brand of whirlpool baths. The company's product line includes whirlpool baths, soaking baths, shower systems and toilet suites. Learn more at www.jacuzzi.com.
Jacuzzi Brands
Anthony Pasquarelli, 909-606-1416 ext. 2057
news@jacuzzibrands.com
or
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Brenda Collons, 425-277-9951
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