WEST MARINE HIRES VETERAN RETAILER KEN SEIPEL AS CEO

Ken Seipel

 

Dec 11, 2018

West Marine, the world’s largest boating supply retailer, has hired retail executive Ken Seipel as CEO. Seipel is an experienced leader with a strong track record helping grow privately held retail companies, as well as Fortune 500 brands. He was most recently CEO of Gabe’s and prior to that held executive positions with a wide range of retail organizations including Old Navy, Target and JC Penney.

In addition to his extensive retail experience, Ken is an avid outdoorsman, and enjoys farming and amateur photography. He has served on numerous community boards and participates as a volunteer for the United Way, Salvation Army and youth athletics.

“It is an honor to join the West Marine team. For more than 50 years, West Marine has been the best outfitter of boating-related products and gear. I am excited to lead the brand as we strengthen our market position in boating products, improve our customer value proposition, and enhance our core customers ability to make the most of their boating experience,” said Seipel.

Related Posts




Recreational Marine Industry Applauds Removal of the Luxury Tax on Boats in Budget 2025

NMMA Canada

OTTAWA (November 4, 2025)—Canada’s boating industry applauds Budget 2025’s commitment to remove the devastating luxury tax on boats, a failed tax policy that unfairly punished Canadian manufacturers and workers. When the luxury tax was first implemented in September 2022, Canada’s marine industry leaders were quick to point out the impending losses of middle-class jobs, government tax revenues and sales declines.

Read More




Need to Catch up on News This Week?

Every Tuesday we publish a fresh Digest with informative articles pertaining to the Canadian boating and marine industry. Stay up to date with the latest products, research and industry developments.

Missed an Issue of Boating Industry Canada News Week? If you’re looking for a specific issue, or simply want to catch up on previous issues, check out our Boating Industry Canada News Week Archives.

Not signed up for News Week? Subscribe here.



Highfield Boats Announces New Escape Fiberglass-Hull Center Console Rib Series

Highfield Boats, America’s leading RIB brand, is proud to announce the launch the Escape Series, an all-new line of fiberglass-hull center console RIBS made in the USA. The first two models in the series, the Highfield Escape 650 and Escape 750, were unveiled during the Highfield Boats Dealer & Media Day Event at the company’s factory in Cadillac, Michigan.

Read More



RAILBLAZA AnchorPoint Phone Holder Ensures Device Safety on the Water

RAILBLAZA, manufacturer of premium quality, user-friendly electronics, fishing and boating mounting systems and accessories, has announced the launch of its AnchorPoint Phone Holder, an adventure-ready mobile device holder built for the harshest environments.

Read More