We are stoked to hear that Donna Carpenter has been promoted to CEO of Burton Snowboards for many reasons. First, as leader of the strongest snowboarding brand out there, it’s nice to know there’s a leader in our industry who looks at two critical issues with great importance: women in snow sports and the environment. Donna has always been a strong supporter, establishing protocols when it comes to equal prize money for women pro riders in competition, and establishing programs like Burton Girls Ride Days, and support systems for women managers within Burton as a whole.
During the COP21 Paris Climate conference, Donna also wrote an amazing blog post that got to the heart of what the snow industry needs to do to take responsibility for our carbon footprint on this planet. Sustainability runs from the top-down at Burton, which creates a significant role model for the snow industry as a whole.
Here’s more:
Effective February 1, 2016, Burton co-owner Donna Carpenter is assuming the role of CEO and long-time Burton executive John Lacy is taking the reins as President. Current Burton CEO Mike Rees is transitioning to be closer to family in Pennsylvania and will continue to work with Burton as a senior financial advisor on a full time basis. Jake Burton, the Founder and Co-Owner of Burton Snowboards, will continue in his current role as the company’s Chairman.
“As Burton’s President for the past five years, Donna has proven she can lead us through thick and thin,” said Jake Burton, Founder and Chairman of Burton Snowboards. “She has been by my side since the earliest days of Burton, and I completely trust her to lead our company into the future. She makes me proud. As for Lacy, it seems like just yesterday he was a kid managing our young bag business, and now he’ll be telling me what to do. And as Mike transitions into his new role, Donna and I thank him for his countless contributions to Burton in his tenure as CEO.”
As CEO, Donna will be working in close partnership with John Lacy in his new role as President, reporting directly to her. Together with John, Donna will ensure that Burton’s vision for the brand and the business are fulfilled. Day-to-day, Donna will also continue to oversee Sustainability, Legal, the Chill Foundation, Human Resources and US Sales.
“While I’ve been helping lead Burton for a long time, I am excited to take this role at this moment in Burton’s evolution,” said Donna Carpenter. “We’ve never been a more aligned team and we’ve never had a clearer vision of who we are and where we want to go. I’m looking forward to this next chapter.”
As Burton’s new President, John Lacy will oversee Product, Marketing, Operations and Finance. In addition, John will lead Burton’s international business in Europe, Asia-Pacific and Canada.
“I’m so humbled and honored that Jake and Donna are entrusting me with this role,” said John Lacy. “Together with our talented crew of people at Burton, I know great things are ahead for the brand, our sport and our lifestyle.”
