Business people : Johnson Outdoors Watercraft Names Bob McDonough Director of Research & Development

Bob Mc Donough in action

Old Town, ME, Dec 03, 2012 -
Johnson Outdoors Watercraft Inc., home to iconic brands Old Town Canoes & Kayaks, Necky Kayaks and Ocean Kayak, today introduced industry veteran Bob McDonough as its Director of Research & Development.  A strong leader with over two decades of experience in the paddlesports industry, McDonough joins Johnson Outdoors from Confluence Watersports where as Vice President of Design and Senior Designer he managed the development of numerous market-leading products. 

In his new role with Johnson Outdoors Watercraft Bob will be responsible for leading and managing the entire product development process. McDonough will report directly to Bill Kelly, Vice President of Johnson Outdoors Watercraft and Gear.

“Bob has a proven track record of excellence in product design, innovative technologies and team management and we’re incredibly excited to welcome him to Johnson Outdoors,” said Bill Kelly, Group Vice President of Johnson Outdoors Watercraft and Gear. “He has a unique feel for what resonates in the paddlesports marketplace with numerous top-selling designs to his credit, not to mention a multitude of patents, and he’ll be an immediate asset to our growing leadership team.”

A champion of computer-aided design McDonough helped bring the technology to both Perception Kayaks and Confluence Watersports. Prior to working at Confluence McDonough played a vital role in designing Perception whitewater, sit on top, and touring kayaks.  While at Confluence, McDonough lead the design of the Pungo, Tarpon, Tsunami Tempest, and Ride series of kayaks.  He also led the development of the Phase 3 seating system.  A student of market research and strategic analysis, he is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of The University of Georgia.

“The history and heritage within the Johnson Outdoors Watercraft portfolio speaks for itself and I’m looking forward to the opportunity to further the rich tradition of innovation, design and quality that are the pillars of the organization,” said McDonough.

About Johnson Ourdoor :
JOHNSON OUTDOORS is a leading global outdoor recreation company that turns ideas into adventure with innovative, top-quality products.  The company designs, manufactures and markets a portfolio of winning, consumer-preferred brands across four categories: Watercraft, Marine Electronics, Diving and Outdoor Gear.  Johnson Outdoors' familiar brands include, among others: Old Town® canoes and kayaks; Ocean Kayak™ and Necky® kayaks; Carlisle® paddles; Extrasport® personal flotation devices; Minn Kota® motors; Cannon® downriggers; Humminbird® marine electronics; LakeMaster® electronic charts;  SCUBAPRO® and SUBGEAR® dive equipment; Silva® compasses; Tech4O® digital instruments; and Eureka!® tents.


Mike May / Backbone Media / mike.may@backbonemedia.net