MARYVILLE, Tenn. – Skier’s Choice, manufacturer of Supra and Moomba inboard boats, announced today the appointment of Michael Littman as the company’s director of marketing.
Littman, 45, comes to Skier’s Choice from a distinguished 20-year career in the advertising industry and brings deep experience in the marketing of leisure and performance products, including Mitsubishi and Yamaha sports gear, Louisville Slugger and Rawlings baseball equipment, PowerBilt golf, Bolle and Serengeti sunglasses.
“Littman’s appointment signals an expanded commitment to brand development,” states company president, Rick Tinker. “Michael is smart and listens well. He has a passion for our products, and an understanding of our business.”
Tinker added, “Our Moomba and Supra lines have experienced remarkable growth over the past several years despite limited marketing. Michael is here to help us gain credit for the remarkable quality and value of our boats. We expect him to transform us quickly into a true marketing force."
Most recently, Littman served as chief marketing strategist for Chandler Ehrlich & Co. of Memphis, a 40-person regional advertising agency, which worked for Skier’s Choice. Previously, Littman served as Senior Vice President and led a multi-year turnaround of Kentucky’s largest advertising agency, helped successfully launch an online securities trading firm in Texas and started his advertising agency career in Los Angeles with McCann Erickson.
“Ad agency life is varied,” states Littman. “It’s a bit like cross-training for a long distance run. The ability to leverage ideas from one industry into another and give them a fresh twist is a signature skill. I fell in love with waterskiing a long time ago, and the opportunity to be with Skier’s Choice feels too good to be true. It feels like the first day my college buddies and I bought a boat.”
Littman has been recognized throughout his career as a uniquely skilled marketing strategist, most notable by the United Nations for his development of a marketing campaign to support adult literacy in the state of Kentucky.
Other recognition has come through marketing programs developed for Ashland Oil, Delta Airlines, Maker's Mark Bourbon, and other leading consumer product manufacturers including a current campaign for Supra, "A better wake. A better boat."
Littman is married. He and his wife, Mary, have two sons, Ryan (14) and Robert (12).
Skier's Choice manufactures Moomba and Supra boats from its 144,000 square foot plant located in Maryville, TN. The closely-held company has experienced record sales and profitability in 2004. That momentum continues into 2005.
