Please select your home edition
Edition
North Sails Loft 57 Podcast

Kris Neff named Boston Whaler president; Nick Stickler moves to Mercury Marine

by Boston Whaler 20 Sep 2021 19:29 PDT

Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC) announced today that Kris Neff has been named President, Boston Whaler and Nick Stickler has been appointed Vice President of Category Management and Strategic Planning at Mercury Marine. Both announcements are effective immediately.

Neff joined Brunswick in 2005 and over the past 16 years, has excelled in a variety of roles of increasing responsibility across many divisions. Most recently, he was the Vice President of Category Management and Strategic Planning at Mercury Marine. Under his direction, Mercury launched some of its most innovative products including the February 2021 launch of the 600hp V12 Verado as well as the Company's 1st Mate Safety System, which won multiple Innovation Awards at the 2020 Consumer Electronics Show (CES).

Stickler also joined the company in 2005 and has held multiple leadership positions including President of Fort Wayne Operations where he ran both the Harris and Cypress Cay businesses and most recently as President of Boston Whaler. Stickler has guided Whaler through a time of incredible growth both in product portfolio and capacity, including with the recent re-opening of the Flagler facility in Florida which is adding further capacity to meet record demand from Whaler's customers.

"I am truly thankful for the opportunity to lead a world-class organization such as Boston Whaler," said Neff. "We have an incredible team of colleagues and partners with an extremely passionate customer base. Under Nick's leadership, the Whaler team has done a tremendous job establishing a solid platform to build upon and grow the legacy of one of the marine industry's most iconic brands."

"Mercury Marine is one of the most established and well-known brands in the marine industry and I am excited to join its leadership team," said Stickler. "I have enjoyed a wonderful relationship with Mercury while running both Fort Wayne and Boston Whaler and am excited about the opportunity to make an impactful addition to Mercury's award-winning portfolio of products. Kris and his team have helped Mercury grow market share over the past few years with a host of award-winning products and I look forward to developing the next evolution of propulsion systems."

Neff holds a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, a master's degree in Engineering, and an MBA from the University of Michigan. Neff started his career with Ford Motor Company as a Manufacturing Engineer before joining Brunswick in 2005. Stickler holds a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering and a master's degree in Automotive Systems Engineering from the University of Michigan, and an MBA from the University of Chicago. Stickler also started his career with Ford Motor Company as a Powertrain Design Engineer before joining Brunswick in 2005.

Related Articles

Boston Whaler delivers "Boatload of Backpacks"
Donations to local schools for 16th consecutive year Continuing a tradition that began 16 years ago, Boston Whaler recently delivered a "Boatload of Backpacks" filled with school supplies and snacks to local elementary schools, helping students and teachers prepare for the start of the 2026 school year. Posted on 25 Aug
Brad Zoelle named President of Boston Whaler
Aligning the brand for next phase of growth Brunswick Boat Group today announced the appointment of Brad Zoelle as President of Boston Whaler. Zoelle, who most recently served as General Manager of Mercury Marine APAC, succeeds Lenn Scholz, who is pursuing new opportunities outside the Company. Posted on 9 Mar
Next-Generation 330 Outrage and 290 Outrage
Unveiled by Boston Whaler at the Miami International Boat Show Boston Whaler, a global leader in premium offshore and recreational boats and a Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC) brand, today announced the global debut of the all-new 330 Outrage and 290 Outrage at the 2026 Miami International Boat Show. Posted on 12 Feb
Boston Whaler recognizes exceptional dealers
For outstanding achievements in 2024 Model Year The success of Boston Whaler's legendary boats would not be possible without the dedication and expertise of our exceptional dealers and sales professionals. Posted on 13 Mar 2025
Boston Whaler deliver Boatload of School Supplies
Supporting elementary and high schools for the 14th consecutive year For the 14th consecutive year, Boston Whaler held its annual "Boatload of School Supplies" school supply drive. Posted on 31 Aug 2024
Boston Whaler to highlight sustainability at FLIBS
On water display will highlight 15 models ranging from 13- to 42-feet Boston Whaler announced today it will showcase new product innovation, sustainability and its exceptional owner experience at this year's Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, held at the Bahia Mar Yachting Center. Posted on 26 Oct 2022
Boston Whaler celebrates two million hours
The company logged two million hours without a lost time incident Boston Whaler's dedication to employee safety has resulted in a major milestone: As of February 20, 2019, the company logged two million hours without a lost time incident. Posted on 4 Apr 2019
Manufacturing Institute honors Kim Shaller
Boston Whaler Purchasing Manager named as an honoree in 2019 STEP Ahead Awards Boston Whaler Purchasing Manager Kim Shaller has been named as an honoree in the Manufacturing Institute's 2019 STEP Ahead Awards. Shaller is among 130 women who will be honored at a STEP Ahead Awards ceremony on April 11 Posted on 12 Mar 2019
Boston Whaler takes home big honors
Receiving several notable industry awards at the Miami International Boat Show Boston Whaler received several notable industry awards during this year's Miami International Boat Show, earning recognition for product innovation, customer satisfaction and marketing excellence. Posted on 20 Feb 2019
New technology a focal point of Boston Whaler
Commitment to innovation and excellence will be on full display at Miami Boat Show Boston Whaler's commitment to innovation and excellence will be on full display at the Miami International Boat Show, coming to the Miami Marine Stadium Park & Basin from February 14–18. Posted on 13 Feb 2019
Allen SailingSelden CXrVaikobi Custom Teamwear