Donna Carpenter (photo: Burton Snowboards)

Jake Burton’s Wife Takes Over as CEO

Burlington, VT – On Monday, Burton Snowboards officially announced a new leadership structure with two key appointments. Effective February 1, 2016, Burton co-owner Donna Carpenter, wife of founder Jake Burton (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. Together, Jake Burton Carpenter and Donna Carpenter are the sole owners of Burton Snowboards.

“As Burton’s President for the past five years, Donna has proven she can lead us through thick and thin,” said Jake Burton. “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.”

Donna Carpenter (photo: Burton Snowboards)
Donna Carpenter (photo: Burton Snowboards)

As CEO, Donna Carpenter will be working in close partnership with Lacy in his new role as President, reporting directly to her. Day-to-day, Donna will also continue to oversee Sustainability, Legal, the Chill Foundation, Human Resources and U.S. 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, Lacy will oversee Product, Marketing, Operations and Finance. In addition, he 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 Lacy. “Together with our talented crew of people at Burton, I know great things are ahead for the brand, our sport and our lifestyle.”

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