5-9-14 brunswick appoints schwabero president and chief operating officer

Brunswick Corporation today announced that Mark D. Schwabero has been elected to the newly created post of president and chief operating officer, reporting to Dustan E. McCoy, chairman and chief executive officer.  Schawabero, most recently the president of Mercury Marine, will be succeeded by John C. Pfeifer, who had been vice president – global operations for Mercury Marine.  These promotions are effective immediately.  In his new position, Schwabero is responsible for all of Brunswick’s day-to-day operations, with the leadership of the company’s four business segments – Engine, Boat, Fitness and Bowling & Billiards – reporting to him. The Mercury Marine leadership team will report to John Pfeifer. Bill Gress, president - South America, will report to Kevin Grodzki, president – global sales and marketing.
“An important responsibility of our Board of Directors is to ensure we have a deep and robust succession process. Today’s announcement reflects the quality of that process,” McCoy said. “Mark is an accomplished executive who is intimately familiar with Brunswick’s markets, particularly those in the marine segment from which the company derives the majority of its sales and earnings. The role of chief operating officer positions Mark to better learn and to actively manage Brunswick’s overall operations and to develop and execute our strategic imperatives.  “John Pfeifer is taking the helm of a Mercury Marine organization that is strong and vibrant and riding the momentum of a number of recent new products and engine innovations. John has been an integral member of Mark’s leadership team at Mercury, helping to fashion an energized organization that is setting the pace in today’s global marine marketplace.  In accepting his new role, Schwabero said “My 10 years at Mercury have been among the most fulfilling of my career. I deeply appreciate the teamwork, cooperation and high standards that truly set Mercury Marine apart. John Pfeifer, with his rich global experience and insight, is well qualified to lead Mercury, and it will be a pleasure to support Mercury’s success in my new role.”  John Pfeifer noted “Mercury Marine is a market and business leader with a rich 75-year heritage, strong market momentum and an organization dedicated to serving our customers. The investments that we’ve made in capacity, technology and talent position us well for the future. It is truly a privilege to lead the Mercury organization, and I look forward to working with the Mercury team, our communities and our customers in my new role.”