Rapala VMC announces changes to US product development team

Rapala VMC has announced two changes to its team in the US, including the appointment of a Director of Product Development – North America.

The Finland-based tackle supplier says that Charlie Davis (main picture) – a long-time Rapala fan and lifelong angler – brings a wealth of industry knowledge and ‘an incredibly strong’ track record for introducing successful products to the marketplace. His extensive industry background includes retail merchandising experience as VP of Merchandising at one of the leading mass merchant tackle retailers in the US.

More recently, he has developed a strong track record for developing and launching award-winning products with a large tackle manufacturer.

Rapala adds: “His extensive knowledge of the fishing accessory, tool, net and ice markets will be a huge benefit towards driving exciting new product ranges both in North America and globally.”

In another move, long-time Rapala VMC employee Bart Rosen (above) has been promoted to the new role of Senior Product Manager.

At Rapala Rosen has had a significant impact on its accessories portfolio and the StrikeMaster brand in the US. He will serve as a key liaison for the North American product development team both internally with other department heads and internationally with regional and category product directors.

“At Rapala VMC we strive every day to develop new innovations that will help anglers around the world to catch more and bigger fish,” said David A. Neill, Rapala VMC Executive Vice President – Global Product Development and Innovation. “These two new appointments in our North America Product Development and Innovation team will strengthen our category management structure and accelerate growth across all categories and regions.”