Nixon CEO moving to new role

Nixon Founders Andy Laats and Chad DiNenna. File photo courtesy of Nixon.

I learned recently that there were some management changes at the top of Nixon, and followed up with CEO Andy Laats to find out more.

 

Andy and partner Chad DiNenna founded the watch company, which is one of the industry’s biggest success stories.




 

Andy sent me the following email which explains the move and the unfortunate reason why it is  happening.

 

Andy, with an MBA from Stanford and a passion for action sports, is one of the most well-regarded executives in the industry.

 

Nixon CEO Andy Laats: “I’m not leaving Nixon but I am going to be changing roles. My family has been facing some serious health issues and, at my request, Nixon’s board has initiated a search for a new CEO. I’m going to transition into an Executive Chairman role.

 

“I’ll remain actively engaged with the Board and Senior Management in setting Nixon’s strategic direction, and I’m going to remain a large investor in the Company.

 

“Nixon has gone through a lot of change since I stole the idea from Chad back in 1997 and I’m stoked at where we are at today. In the past year and a half we’ve transitioned to a new ownership structure, built up our senior team and staff around the world, and launched some of our best products yet.

 

“Chad is staying put and will continue to be Nixon’s marketing head, Mike Hoefer, who’s been with us since June 1999, will continue to lead our global sales efforts and Arnaud Gaillard will continue to hold down the fort for us in Europe.

 

“These Nixon old-timers are joined by a group of new-blood, very experienced managers in Dave Laverty (COO), Joe Carino (CFO), and Tyson White (VP of Product) that have come on board over the last year.

 

“And this team is backed by about 200 Nixon people that are flat out impressive. I’m excited to invite a world class CEO to join us in this next chapter.

 

“I’m a lucky guy: I’ve got a great job at a company I love.

 

“But I also have responsibilities as a husband and father that have increased to the point that stepping aside for a new CEO, who will be able to devote the energy and focus to Nixon that Nixon deserves, is the right thing to do.”

 

 

 

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