New key appointments

LaserPerformance announced President and CFO

LaserPerformance has announced two key appointments - that of Devin Kelly as President and Jim Forrest Chief Financial Officer.

Mr. Kelly was most recently with INBEV (the global brewer of many well known brands including Beck’s and Stella Artois) where he served as Vice President of Marketing for UK and Ireland. He brings to LaserPerformance a strong background in management and international sales and marketing. He currently resides in the UK and will start his engagement with the company at LaserPerformance’s UK offices in Long Buckby before permanently relocating to the North American offices in Portsmouth Rhode Island in July.

Mr. Forrest brings to LaserPerformance over 25 years of financial and managerial experience. He has held leadership roles with several organizations, most recently as Chief Financial Officer of the Standard Electric Supply, one of New England’s (US) largest electrical distributors.

These appointments strengthen and complete the senior management team at LaserPerformance. They follow the recent additions of Jackee Shepherd as Chief Operating Officer, David Himmel as head of SailLaser, and Bill Crane as a Senior Advisor.

The past six months has been a busy time for LaserPerformance. In late 2007 the company launched several new boats into North America including the SB3 and Vago, respectively Sailing World’s 2008 Overall Boat of the Year and One Design Dinghy of the Year.

The SB3 was also recently awarded ISAF status and continues to be the hottest boat on the European racing circuit. In January LaserPerformance introduced its new corporate name and identity. This month they begin delivering The Bug, a small dinghy many in the press have deemed one of the best new products to arrive on the sailing scene in years.

“In business these days the term ‘dynamic’ can be a cliché. For us it’s an operational term. We’re looking at all aspects of our business and how we can better serve our customers and the sport of sailing,” said Chip Wilkerson, VP Global Marketing. “Devin and Jim join us at an exciting time as we continue to evolve this new organization. Their experience will be a strong asset as we execute our growth strategy and promote participation in the sport. We look forward to welcoming them on board.”