Brunswick names new Mercury president

Brunswick Corp today announced that John Pfeifer, president of Mercury Marine, has stepped down from his role to pursue other opportunities. He has been replaced by Christopher Drees, Mercury’s president of marine parts and accessories, with immediate effect. Drees reports to Brunswick CEO David Foulkes.

“Assuming the Mercury presidency is a natural progression for Chris,” Foulkes explains. “He has spent more than 20 years with the company, distinguishing himself in a number of varied assignments and making a series of planned career moves to hone his skills and experience in preparation for this well-deserved role.

“Working alongside Mercury’s experienced and accomplished leadership team, Chris will continue building on the company’s momentum of innovation, market-leading products and superior quality and customer service.”

Drees joined Mercury Marine in 1998, and during his first eight years held roles in purchasing, sales and marketing, and as general manager of the Mercury propeller business. From 2006 through 2014, Drees led Mercury’s Attwood operations, first as COO and then as president.

In 2014, Drees was promoted to vice president – Mercury global operations, and during his tenure in the role Mercury made great strides in increasing the productivity and efficiency of its propulsion operations, according to Foulkes.

In 2018, Drees assumed his role leading marine parts and accessories, where he was responsible for the integration of Power Products, Brunswick’s largest acquisition ever, into the P&A portfolio.

Drees’ successor in his P&A role will be the subject of a later announcement. Until that time, marine parts and accessories leadership will continue to report to Drees.

“Chris’s appointment is indicative of both the deep bench of talent and leadership we have throughout the Brunswick organisation and our continued focus on succession planning,” Foulkes says.