(CHESAPEAKE, Va.) – Oct. 1, 2019 – Ron Huibers, president and CEO of Volvo Penta of the Americas, was honored today by Boating Industry magazine as the 2019 Mover & Shaker of the Year. The publication announced the winner and finalists of the annual Movers & Shakers competition at the industry breakfast which kicks off the International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition (IBEX) in Tampa Oct. 1.
The award, which was established in 2010, recognizes leaders who have made major contributions to the advancement of the marine industry.
“The list of previous winners of our Mover & Shaker award is an illustrious one and includes some of the most prominent and recognizable names in the recreational boating industry,” said David Gee, editor-in-chief, Boating Industry. “We are pleased and proud to add Ron to that list, not only for his considerable accomplishments at Volvo Penta of the Americas, but also for his continuing commitment to making recreational boating easier, more fun, more accessible and more enjoyable.”
A key factor in the selection committee’s decision included Huibers’ role in fostering a culture of innovation within the company which recently earned designation as a Great Place to Work. In addition, Huibers was recognized for propelling the company’s Easy Boating initiative which seeks to grow the boating industry by making it easier for more people to buy and own a boat and get the most out of the boating experience.
As head of Volvo Penta’s gasoline segment worldwide, Huibers has made significant strides to generate new revenue opportunities for both Volvo Penta and its valued partners. He conceived and led the development of the 2015 award-winning Forward Drive (FWD). Today thousands of FWD boats are in operation, and the growth continues as more people enjoy the versatility that this propulsion system offers boating families. He also spearheaded Volvo Penta’s strategic decision to expand its leadership further and enter the outboard segment with the acquisition of Seven Marine.
Huibers has also been a driving force behind Volvo Penta’s strong penetration into the North and South American diesel markets, further strengthening the company’s global leadership position in the industry.
Accepting the award, Huibers said, “I am fortunate to be surrounded by an extraordinarily talented team within Volvo Penta and an ecosystem of trusted partners who fully embrace the Easy Boating vision. We believe we have a responsibility to continue to create the innovations that will make boating even more fun than it is today. While we are proud of our past, we have an obligation to work together to make sure our best days are in front of us.”
Boating Industry profiles Huibers and nine finalists in the Movers & Shakers competition in a cover story in the magazine’s October issue.
About Volvo Penta
Volvo Penta, with approximately 3,500 dealers in over 130 countries, is a world-leading and global manufacturer of engines and complete power systems for boats, vessels and industrial applications. The engine program comprises diesel and gasoline engines with power outputs of between 10 and 1,000 hp. Volvo Penta is part of the Volvo Group, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of heavy trucks, buses and construction equipment.
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For further information, please contact:
Christine Carlson
Volvo Penta of the Americas
Phone: +1 (757) 382 4084
E-mail: christine.carlson@volvo.com
Jim Rhodes
Rhodes Communications, Inc.
Phone: +1 (757) 451 0602
E-mail: jrhodes@rhodescomm.com
