Providence, RI - September 29, 2005 - Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) today announced that Daniel F. Wilkinson has been named president of Jacobsen, a leading manufacturer of golf and sports turf, commercial grounds care, turfgrass production, and large estate lawn care equipment. Wilkinson, who will assume this role on October 10, will report to Textron Industrial Segment President Barclay Olson and replaces Jon Carlson, who left Jacobsen to pursue other opportunities.
Wilkinson joined Textron in 1997 as director of national sales accounts at Greenlee, Textron's professional tools business, where he was responsible for large customers such as The Home Depot, Grainger and Graybar. He worked his way up in the organization to his current role of senior vice president of marketing and sales, where he was responsible for product development, managing the Greenlee brand, as well as developing the business' long-term strategy.
"We're extremely fortunate to have proven leaders like Dan on board," said Textron Industrial Segment President Barclay Olson. "He is a highly talented executive who has the experience and knowledge to lead Jacobsen into the future."
Before joining Textron, Wilkinson worked at General Electric for 17 years. During his tenure at GE Lighting, he held various positions with increasing responsibility in areas such as distribution planning, marketing and sales. "Not only is Dan a strong leader, his core strengths of strategy development, multiple channel/multiple step distribution management, product development and rationalization, as well as brand management are exactly what Jacobsen needs," said Olson.
Wilkinson holds a BS degree in Accounting from Carroll College. He and his family will relocate to Charlotte, North Carolina where Jacobsen is headquartered.
About Jacobsen
Jacobsen manufactures a full range of vehicles and turf maintenance equipment for golf, turf, professional lawn care, sports fields, municipal and industrial applications. The company markets Bob-Cat®, Brouwer®, Bunton®, Cushman®, Jacobsen®, Ryan® and Steiner™ brand products internationally through an extensive distribution network. Jacobsen is a Textron company. Additional information is available at www.jacobsen.com.
About Textron
Textron Inc. is a $10 billion multi-industry company with 44,000 employees in 40 countries. The company leverages its global network of aircraft, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO and Greenlee, among others. More information is available at www.textron.com.