Minnetonka, Minnesota – Kyle Wood has joined RapalaVMC as Product Manager from Major League Fishing (MLF), where he served as senior manager of digital production. In his new role at RapalaVMC, Wood will oversee the management of selected Rapala and Storm hardbaits, and Williamson lures. In addition, RapalaVMC will rely on Wood for his insights to grow RapalaVMC’s relationships with bass anglers based on his 11 years of experience with the FLW and MLF bass fishing tours, for which he developed written, audio and video content. “I am so excited to join the RapalaVMC team,” said Wood, who grew up in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, and attended Iowa State University where he received a degree in animal science. “I’ve grown up fishing with Rapala lures, I’ve loved looking for the Rapala billboards along the highway and watching the Lindners on TV fishing with Rapala lures. Honestly, this is a dream-come-true job for me.” “We are super excited to add Kyle to the Rapala product development team,” said Greg Lorenz, Director of Product Development for RapalaVMC. “We are investing in the future of Rapala by adding strong talent like Kyle to our team. Kyle’s experience in covering bass fishing, as well as his passion and knowledge of fishing for other species, makes him a great fit for managing Rapala respected brand projects.” In addition to being a bass fishing fanatic, Wood also enjoys ice fishing, pheasant hunting and turkey hunting. Wood was president of the Iowa State Fishing Club and competed in collegiate bass tournaments as well as the Minnesota Team Tournament Trail conducted by the Minnesota B.A.S.S. Nation. When he’s not spending time communicating fishing or actually fishing, Wood and his wife, Emily, have their hands full raising their 1-1/2-year-old daughter. About Rapala Rapala was unofficially founded in 1936 when Lauri Rapala invented the Rapala fishing lure. Rapala has grown from humble beginnings to become a market leader in the fishing tackle industry. The brand’s functionality and high quality are known by fishermen worldwide. Rapala maintains strict standards of craftsmanship while delivering its fishing products to anglers in more than 130 countries. 

Grand Rapids, MN – Wired2fish, Inc. Is excited to announce that they are bringing on intern Kobie Koenig (aka ‘the Intern that never left’) as a full-time team member. A recent graduate of Bemidji State University, Kobie has been an invaluable asset to the Wired2fish team, and a welcome full-time addition to their crew as Content Creator and Social Media lead. “We have worked for several years with Kobie as an intern with Wired2fish,” said COO and Publisher Jason Sealock. “But he’s been more than that for us. He has a great work ethic, an upbeat personality and cares deeply about his work in the fishing media space. He has a great eye with both still and video cameras. He’s helped us a lot on several client projects, and our clients love working with him. He’s been a tremendous help injecting some youth into our large social media channels, and he’s an accomplished college angler as well. I couldn’t be more excited to add such a quality player to our team.” Ryan DeChaine, Vice President, Video Content and Production, added, “It’s a sweet moment when a  fishy  and  gifted  intern accepts a full-time job offer! The entire Wired2fish team is thrilled and fortunate to welcome Kobie Koenig aboard as a key player in the content and social media arena. Few people in my 15+ years in the fishing industry exhibit the skillsets, drive, and passion for freshwater sportfishing at such a young age. Kobie owns these attributes, while our team takes pride in having been part of cultivating them through our respective roles. He’s an employee and a friend. Kobie comes to Wired2fish with five years of intensive on-the-job training coupled with a solid marketing education. Our capabilities expand with a fully trained professional who brings fresh content and distribution perspectives and a can-do attitude to everything he touches. His and our collective futures are bright here at Wired2fish!” About Wired2fish Wired2fish.com  is the digital destination for all things fishing. Offering the latest tips, tactics, techniques, and fun fishing content, Wired2fish.com helps anglers of all levels improve their fishing skills resulting in more fish caught and more enjoyable time on the water.

Pollak is the latest in executive hires positioning the company for future growth. MANCHESTER, Vt. (Feb. TK) —  Orvis, the family-owned and operated outdoor retailer specializing in fly-fishing gear, dog products and active lifestyle apparel, appoints former Athleta CMO Sheila Shekar Pollak to the newly created role of chief brand experience officer, effective February 14. “Orvis is a purpose-led company. For 165 years we’ve led through our commitment to connecting our customers to the natural world and protecting the places and passions we share for future generations. Over the last decade, we’ve doubled down on our brand vision through an omnichannel approach, and we’ve tapped Sheila to work with our incredible team to continue delivering on our ethos. Her 20-year career growing and strengthening global, mission-driven brands made her a clear choice to elevate what Orvis stands for in the lives of our customers and partners across all touchpoints,” says Orvis President Simon Perkins. Pollak will lead efforts to channel Orvis’ brand values to grow the company’s awareness and customer base, build community and future generations of conservationists, and further evolve meaningful storytelling and engagement across omnichannel touchpoints. “This is an incredibly exciting time for Orvis. As the leader in the fly-fishing community and trusted guide to unforgettable outdoor adventures, we have the honor of enjoying relationships with our customers for decades if not generations. With outdoor participation at an all-time high and wellness and conservation being more important to people than ever before, we are well-positioned to create positive impact for our customers and all those seeking an inspired life outdoors for the next 165 years,” says Pollak. Under Perkins’ leadership, Pollak’s arrival is the latest in executive-team hires over the last two years. Fellow former Gap executive and Nike V.P. of Global Apparel Reenie Benziger joined Orvis as chief product officer in December 2020. Rebecca Jones assumed the chief people officer role in October 2021, having previously led global human resources strategy for European Wax Center. Pollak was most recently senior vice president and chief marketing officer at Biossance, a sustainable, eco-friendly skincare company. Prior to that, she spent 16 years within the Gap Inc. family of brands, including 10 years at Athleta. As chief marketing officer, Sheila led Athleta to double-digit revenue and earnings growth and the launch of the  Power of She  brand platform. About The Orvis Company:  Founded in 1856, we believe the most meaningful experiences are created by sharing the love of nature and being inspired by its endless possibilities. Orvis pioneered the mail order industry in the United States, operates more than 80 retail stores in the U.S and the U.K., and maintains a network of over 400 dealers worldwide as a trusted source of discovery and adventure in the natural world. We promise to open the door to extraordinary outdoor experiences, and to protect nature by committing 5% of our pretax profits each year to conservation efforts worldwide.  www.orvis.com         Employers and recruiters within outdoor recreation industry sectors post job opportunities on Outdoor Occupations to find qualified business professionals passionate about the outdoors.  Outdoor Occupations' job board service is free of charge for job seekers to search and apply for the latest new opportunities in the outdoors! -->Browse NEW Outdoor Industry Jobs Here<--   Outdoor Industry Jobs  |  Fishing Industry Jobs  |  Boating Industry Jobs  |  Hunting Industry Jobs  |  Archery Industry Jobs  |  Bicycle Industry Jobs  |  Camping & Hiking Industry Jobs  |  Wildlife Conservation Jobs  |  Paddlesports Industry Jobs   Outdoor Industry Internship Opportunities

CYPRESS, Calif.--- Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. (YMC), has announced that Craig Hewitt, Chief Operating Officer of YMFUS, will be promoted to President and CEO effective February 1, 2022. Hewitt joined Yamaha in 2020 to support the company’s continued growth in the Powersports and Marine segments. Prior to joining Yamaha, he served as CEO of Carfinance.com, a direct-to-consumer auto finance platform dedicated to a seamless digital transaction. His experience in consumer finance spans 25 years and includes leadership roles with GM Financial, HSBC Auto Finance and Capital One Auto Finance. While his predecessor Jeff Young’s role was building YMFUS from the ground up, Hewitt’s vision is to strengthen the captive finance company. He plans to lead the way with technology making it easier for both consumers and dealers to engage YMFUS, expanding opportunities for new customers and investing in the core competencies—Loan Origination, Loan Servicing and Risk Management—to deliver an industry leading customer experience. “I am truly honored to be named President and CEO of Yamaha Financial Services,” said Craig Hewitt. “Our business has changed and evolved dramatically during the past two years and I couldn’t be more excited to lead our Team at YMFUS during this time of truly great opportunity and expanding engagement with our customers.” YMC has also announced that former YMFUS President and CEO Jeff Young, will transition to Chairman, YMFUS, and concurrently has been named Executive Officer at YMC. In his new role as Executive Officer, Young will be responsible for creating and leading a global finance company responsible for all YMC group finance companies in North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Young joined YMFUS in 2014 as EVP, Chief Operating Officer (COO) and helped start up a company that launched five businesses in its first five years. Promoted to President in 2018, he led the company’s growth to over $2.5 billion in assets and has built a strong, passionate team of nearly 200 employees. In 2020, Young was appointed Deputy Executive Officer of YMC and Vice Chairman, Financial Services Global Execution Transformation (GET). About Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. (YMUS), is a recognized leader in the outdoor recreation industry. The company's ever-expanding product offerings include Motorcycles and Scooters, ATV and Side-by-Side vehicles, Snowmobiles, WaveRunner Personal Watercraft, Boats, Outboard Motors, Outdoor Power Equipment, Power Assist Bicycles, Golf Cars, Power Assist Wheelchair Systems, Surface Mount Technology (SMT) and Robotic Machines, Unmanned Helicopters, Accessories, Apparel, Yamalube products, and much more. YMUS products are sold through a nationwide network of distributors and dealers in the United States. YMUS has a corporate office in California, two corporate offices in Georgia, facilities in Wisconsin and Alabama, and factory operations in Tennessee and Georgia. Additional U.S.-based subsidiaries include Yamaha Marine Systems Company (YMSC) with divisions Bennett Marine (Florida) and Kracor Systems (Wisconsin), Skeeter Boats (Texas), with division G3 Boats (Missouri), Siren Marine, and Yamaha Precision Propeller (Indiana). About Yamaha Motor Finance Corporation, U.S.A. Founded in 2014, Yamaha Motor Finance Corporation, U.S.A. (YMFUS), is the captive financing arm of Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., and provides retail, wholesale, and commercial financing programs along with service contracts to its 2,200 dealers and nearly 500,000 customers.       Employers and recruiters within outdoor recreation industry sectors post job opportunities on Outdoor Occupations to find qualified business professionals passionate about the outdoors.  Outdoor Occupations' job board service is free of charge for job seekers to search and apply for the latest new opportunities in the outdoors! -->Browse NEW Outdoor Industry Jobs Here<--   Outdoor Industry Jobs  |  Fishing Industry Jobs  |  Boating Industry Jobs  |  Hunting Industry Jobs  |  Archery Industry Jobs  |  Bicycle Industry Jobs  |  Camping & Hiking Industry Jobs  |  Wildlife Conservation Jobs  |  Paddlesports Industry Jobs   Outdoor Industry Internship Opportunities  

Rather Outdoors is pleased to announce that industry veteran Zack Swanson will join the North American operation on February 1, 2022, to lead the legendary brands of Lew’s, Strike King, Zebco and Quantum as Sr. Vice President of Brand Management. Swanson joins the Rather family following a career spanning over two decades at Rapala VMC Corporation, where he served as Vice President of Sales and General Manager.  While shepherding the team at Rapala, Swanson also served the broader industry as a member of the Board of Directors for the American Sportfishing Association, a position he has held since 2016. Rocky Kalsow, President of North America for Rather Outdoors, sees the appointment of Zack Swanson as an important step forward for Rather’s industry leading brands.  “Lew’s has been home to true American innovation since 1949, the same year the very first spincast reel rolled off the production line at a company that would later become known as Zebco.  Both Strike King and Quantum have been creating groundbreaking tackle for nearly half a century,” Kalsow offered.  “At Rather Outdoors, our brands have solidified themselves as legendary names, and they have a rich legacy of being built and guided by true giants of this industry.  We continue this tradition by having Zack at the helm.” Swanson, who is no stranger to avid outdoors brands and, in fact, has spent nearly his entire professional life adding value to them, is poised and ready to lead brand management at Rather.  “I could not be more excited to be a part of this family.  The leadership of Rather has worked tirelessly to build an environment where innovation and progress are celebrated,” Swanson said.  “There is a deep history here at Rather that we will continue to honor and draw strength from.  But make no mistake, there are exciting days ahead, and anglers who love these brands will want to pay attention!”           Employers and recruiters within outdoor recreation industry sectors post job opportunities on Outdoor Occupations to find qualified business professionals passionate about the outdoors.  Outdoor Occupations' job board service is free of charge for job seekers to search and apply for the latest new opportunities in the outdoors! -->Browse NEW Outdoor Industry Jobs Here<--   Outdoor Industry Jobs  |  Fishing Industry Jobs  |  Boating Industry Jobs  |  Hunting Industry Jobs  |  Archery Industry Jobs  |  Bicycle Industry Jobs  |  Camping & Hiking Industry Jobs  |  Wildlife Conservation Jobs  |  Paddlesports Industry Jobs   Outdoor Industry Internship Opportunities  

SMITH – global market leader in snow goggles and helmets and industry innovator across bike helmets, sport, lifestyle, and prescription eyewear – is excited to announce the appointment of Taryn Ryan as Global Head of Marketing. With over a decade of comprehensive brand and product go-to-market experience, Ryan brings her passion, creativity, integrity and entrepreneurial spirt to further drive strategy, growth, and brand awareness & loyalty across all aspects of the business. A native of Cape Town, South Africa, Ryan has a solid history and successful career in the eyewear and sports industries having worked extensively across retail, wholesale, and global brand management. She joined Luxottica Group in 2008 as a buyer for Sunglass Hut before her promotion to business manager for the sport portfolio in 2010 with a focus on the Oakley brand across Africa and the Middle East. In 2017, Ryan relocated to Milan, Italy to lead Oakley as Head of Brand Management where for the past 5 years she focused on rebuilding the brand foundation and category development. Her successes include the development of Oakley’s optical category, showcasing the power that sport can bring to prescription. Joining the SMITH team after a record year of sales in 2021, Ryan’s role continues to support the growth of the brand by overseeing all aspects of marketing, communications, public relations and trade merchandising across wholesale, retail and digital channels around the world. “SMITH has such a rich and long history backed by a powerful portfolio of product innovation that continues to engage and invite new customers year after year. As the first female head of marketing for SMITH, I’m proud to join the leadership team of a dedicated and inclusive brand, and look forward to sharing my voice and experience to further the growth and development of our products, stories and technologies to all outdoor adventurers, enthusiasts, and athletes,” said Ryan. Ryan will relocate to Portland, Oregon to work alongside the team at SMITH headquarters. She reports to Francesco Rinaldi Ceroni, President & Global General Manager at SMITH. Outside the office, Ryan is completing an Executive MBA at IE Business School in Madrid and will graduate at the end of 2022.        Employers and recruiters within outdoor recreation industry sectors post job opportunities on Outdoor Occupations to find qualified business professionals passionate about the outdoors.  Outdoor Occupations' job board service is free of charge for job seekers to search and apply for the latest new opportunities in the outdoors! -->Browse NEW Outdoor Industry Jobs Here<--   Outdoor Industry Jobs  |  Fishing Industry Jobs  |  Boating Industry Jobs  |  Hunting Industry Jobs  |  Archery Industry Jobs  |  Bicycle Industry Jobs  |  Camping & Hiking Industry Jobs  |  Wildlife Conservation Jobs  |  Paddlesports Industry Jobs   Outdoor Industry Internship Opportunities