Douglas Dynamics Announces Mark Van Genderen as President & CEO

Rhea-AI Summary

Douglas Dynamics (NYSE: PLOW), North America's premier manufacturer of work truck attachments and equipment, has announced Mark Van Genderen as its new President and CEO, effective immediately. Van Genderen, who will also join the Board of Directors, previously served as Chief Operating Officer and President of Work Truck Attachments.

Van Genderen brings five years of experience with Douglas Dynamics and a 21-year tenure at Harley-Davidson Motor Company. His previous roles at Douglas Dynamics included President of Commercial Snow & Ice Control and Vice President of Strategy and Business Development. He succeeds Interim President & CEO Jim Janik, who will return to his position as Chairman of the Board of Directors.

The Board expressed confidence in Van Genderen's leadership abilities, citing his strategic thinking and operational acumen as important factors for the company's future growth in the work truck industry. Under Janik's interim leadership, the company reported improved results in 2024 and established a foundation for future growth.

Positive

• Improved financial results reported for 2024
• Smooth leadership transition with internal candidate promotion
• New CEO brings extensive industry experience and proven track record

Negative

• None.

Interim President & CEO Jim Janik Returning to Role as Chairman of the Board of Directors

MILWAUKEE, March 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Douglas Dynamics, Inc. (NYSE: PLOW), North America’s premier manufacturer and upfitter of work truck attachments and equipment, today announced the Board of Directors has appointed Mark Van Genderen as President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective immediately. He will also join the Board of Directors effective immediately.

Mr. Van Genderen has been with the company for five years, and most recently served as Chief Operating Officer and President of Work Truck Attachments. He succeeds Interim President & CEO, James (Jim) L. Janik, who will return to his former role as Chairman of the Board of Directors.

"Over the past five years, Mark has developed a deep understanding of our industry, and his business acumen and performance have meaningfully contributed to the company. In addition, he has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to developing our culture, all of which makes him the ideal person to lead Douglas Dynamics into its next phase of growth,” noted Chairman of the Board of Directors, Jim Janik. “During his career, Mark has proven his ability to combine the strategic thinking and operational acumen necessary to drive growth. The Board of Directors is confident that Mark’s leadership will be a crucial factor as we strengthen our position as a leader in the work truck industry in the years ahead.”

Lead Independent Director Don Studivant stated, “We all want to thank Jim for stepping back into the CEO role on an interim basis. His decades long knowledge of the company, plus the relationships he has maintained over the years, allowed for a smooth transition while we assessed the candidates for CEO. Jim was able to work with the team to deliver improved results in 2024 and help create a solid foundation for 2025 and beyond.”

Incoming President & CEO Mark Van Genderen commented, “I am grateful for the trust placed in me by our Board and feel privileged to be leading Douglas Dynamics into the future. While we continue to honor what has made us successful so far, I look forward to working with our talented team to explore opportunities to evolve and grow, positioning us to deliver long-term success for all stakeholders.”

Mark Van Genderen bio

Mark Van Genderen – President & Chief Executive Officer

Prior to his appointment as President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mark Van Genderen served as Chief Operating Officer of Douglas Dynamics from 2024 to 2025, and President, Work Truck Attachments from 2023 to 2025. His additional roles at the company have included President of Commercial Snow & Ice Control (CSI) from 2021 to 2023, and Vice President of Strategy and Business Development from 2020 to 2021. Mark joined Douglas Dynamics in 2020 after spending 21 years in multiple leadership roles at the Harley-Davidson Motor Company.  These responsibilities included leadership of the company’s Latin America division, the company’s parts and accessories product development function, and Harley-Davidson’s riding gear and lifestyle apparel division which included the company’s eCommerce business.

Mark is a member of the Lutheran Social Services Foundation Board of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan, where he serves as the Chair of the Finance, Investment, and Audit Committee. Mark is a past Trustee at Hope College, his undergraduate alma mater, where he holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.  Mark also holds an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.

For further information contact:
Douglas Dynamics, Inc.
Nathan Elwell
Vice President, Investor Relations
847-530-0249
investorrelations@douglasdynamics.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/46d2e88c-0d41-4c09-8669-dc4cf54d04e8

FAQ

Who is the new CEO of Douglas Dynamics (NYSE: PLOW) in 2025?

Mark Van Genderen has been appointed as President and CEO of Douglas Dynamics, effective March 2025.

What was Mark Van Genderen's previous role at Douglas Dynamics (PLOW)?

He served as Chief Operating Officer and President of Work Truck Attachments from 2024 to 2025.

How did Douglas Dynamics (PLOW) perform under interim CEO Jim Janik in 2024?

Under Jim Janik's interim leadership, the company delivered improved results in 2024.

What is Mark Van Genderen's experience before joining Douglas Dynamics?

He spent 21 years in leadership roles at Harley-Davidson Motor Company before joining Douglas Dynamics in 2020.