Burger Boat Company announces completion of strategic leadership transition & executive appointments
by Burger Boat Company 2 Oct 15:49 BST
Burger Boat Company © Burger Boat Company
Burger Boat Company, a leader in shipbuilding design, engineering, and construction, proudly announces completion of a significant transition in its leadership team that positions the company for meaningful growth across its New Construction Yacht, Commercial Vessel, Military Vessel, and Refit/Repair segments.
After over three decades of hands-on leadership, and more than fifteen years as President and CEO, Jim Ruffolo has completed his transition to Chairman of Burger Boat Company. In his new role, Jim will focus on long-term strategic oversight and governance, continuing his commitment to the endurance and craftsmanship that define the Burger brand.
Members of Burger Boat Company's new executive leadership team are:
- Nick Siler, appointed to the role of President and Chief Executive Officer. Nick brings extensive leadership experience from senior and executive roles at Modine Manufacturing Company, Bradley Corporation, and most recently, Enercon Industries Corporation. In his new role, Nick will report directly to the Board and lead the executive team. His focus will be on strengthening company strategy, enhancing organizational culture, driving performance, and advancing continuous improvement and sustainable growth across the business.
- Rich Thompson, assumes the new role of Chief Sales and Marketing Officer. In this role, Rich leads business development across all segments—including yachts, commercial vessels, military vessels, and repair/refit services. Rich will also lead brand development, marketing, and product management to further elevate Burger's sales and market presence. Together, he and Nick will co-lead strategic planning for the organization. Rich brings a wealth of experience from senior and executive roles at Illinois Tool Works, DuPont, and Newell Rubbermaid, and is well-positioned to drive growth and innovation across the organization.
- David Villar, as the company's Chief Operating Officer. David is responsible for the company's shipyard and joinery operations, including engineering, construction, supply chain, program management, and quality/continuous improvement teams. His leadership will focus on expanding operational capability and capacity, while ensuring excellence in client project delivery and innovation in its operations. David brings deep operational expertise from senior and executive roles at GE Healthcare, GE Power & Water, Bradley Corporation, and most recently, Perlick Corporation.
- Tom Connor, a more than twenty-year Burger Boat veteran, will continue in his current role of Chief Financial Officer in this new team structure, with leadership responsibilities for the Finance, Human Resource, Information Technology, and Legal functional areas of the company.
"Burger has built its reputation on craftsmanship, innovation, and strong relationships," said Jim Ruffolo, Chairman. "These leadership appointments position us to deepen our capabilities, expand our reach, and strengthen our ability to deliver exceptional vessels in every segment we serve."
"Our new and existing teams are hard at work for a 're-imagining' of our company", said Nick Siler, President and CEO. "To lead a company with 162 years of history towards that growth horizon is not just an honor - it's a responsibility I welcome. It's a privilege to join forces with Tom as well as Rich and David in their new executive roles and I look forward to working closely with them and our entire Burger team. We are committed to building on Burger's tradition of endurance and craftsmanship by focusing our organization around four core pillars: our people, our culture, sustainable growth and a relentless commitment to quality and continuous improvement."
From custom new build luxury yachts and commercial vessels to innovative military platforms and complex refit projects, Burger's commitment to American-built excellence will expand under this new leadership team.