Thule Racks Hires Former Yakima Racks Senior Director As V. P. of Business Development

Thule Racks, the world's leading car rack manufacturer of sport transport systems for transporting outdoor gear on trunk, hitch and roof racks, announced that it has hired Chris Dannewitz as Vice President of Business Development, effective immediately. Dannewitz's responsibilities will include researching and identifying strategic acquisitions, as well as assisting in the development and implementation of product, brand, and business channel growth strategies.

"Chris brings a wealth of car rack industry knowledge and will be a great asset as we continue to grow and expand our business," stated Fred Clark, Thule Inc. CEO. Mr. Dannewitz previously worked at rival car rack manufacturer Yakima Racks for more than fifteen years, where he held various positions including Category Business Manager, Director of Product Management, and most recently Senior Director of Land Sports Business.

"I always had the utmost respect for Thule while at Yakima," Mr. Dannewitz said. "Thule Racks has been on a roll for the last few years and I am excited to be a part of their team and their prospects for the future." He will be working and remaining in Mckinleyville, California, nearby the headquarters of Yakima Racks in Arcata, CA. Yakima is currently in the process of relocating its headquarters within close proximity of Portland, Oregon.

Thule Inc. is currently a wholly owned subsidiary within the Thule Group and is the leading U.S. manufacturer of car rack products. Production facilities are located in Seymour, Connecticut and Chicago, Illinois, where it assembles car roof racks, truck racks, car roof top cargo boxes, bike hitch racks, trunk bike racks and accessories for transporting bikes, snowboards, skis, canoes, kayaks, and surfboards.