CMP Group Corporate Team

Don Hambly, P. Eng.

Don Hambly, P. Eng.

President & CEO

In collaboration with the Board of Directors, Don develops a long term strategy for the company that includes organic growth, mergers, acquisitions and potential divestitures, develops and implements an annual operating & profit plan that supports the strategic objectives, and establishes an effective organizational structure.

More about Don

Don also recruits, mentors and develops a high performance management team. He develops and maintains industry relationships that elevate CMP’s reputation & influence and ensures that strong financial and operating controls exist at all levels of the organization, maintaining effective, timely communication with associates, shareholders and Board of Directors

Don is passionate about realizing the full potential of the company, helping people develop new skills/ teaching, identifying, developing and launching new products and uncovering hidden opportunities to improve the business

Don’s career accomplishments include:

  • President & CEO – Olon: doubled revenues; tripled earnings; led a management buyout; performed 2 acquisitions; orchestrated major JV with Italian competitor
  • President – AO Smith (GSW) Canada: increased sales by 75%; restored profitability; contributed to 10X share price appreciation
  • SVP & Supply Chain Practice Leader – Cap Gemini Ernst & Young: led 65 person consulting team

    His hobbies include golf, hockey, skiing, and travel.

    Gerald Dyck, P. Eng.

    Gerald Dyck, P. Eng.

    Group Chief Operating Officer

    Gerald oversees the operational functions at five manufacturing facilities within the CMP Group of companies.

    This includes working closely with the general managers at each facility to provide vision, direction and goal setting to meet our customers’ requirements and needs.

    More about Gerald

    According to Gerald, a key component to providing strong customer service is “through daily stand-up meetings on MS TEAMS with the sales and operational teams to work through all challenges and difficulties with current and upcoming orders.”

    Other key responsibility of Gerald’s role is to collaborate and direct the corporate roles of CMP’s global supply which includes demand planning, procurement, manufacturing and distribution.  These combined supply activities form a complex algorithm of moving parts and pieces that requires significant teamwork from dedicated CMP individuals around the globe to meet customer needs.

    Coupled with the supply of products, is the oversight of our global ISO quality assurance and quality control systems. CMP’s strong quality management system ensures that our customers receive quality products each and every time.

    Within Gerald’s role to develop new products through sourcing and manufacturing at CMP, he oversees the engineering and new product development teams, establishing roadmap of products that echo the needs, or voice of the customer.

    The greatest passion of Gerald’s job is “…to see my staff and those around them flourishing and growing in their leadership and capabilities through clear corporate objectives and vision.  I have a leadership acronym for empowering my staff which is VAR; Vison, Autonomy & Responsibilities. I feel that providing staff with clear goals and vision, and then empowering them with VAR, creates trust and ownership allowing them to be not only in the business, but on the business. This is a game changer, allowing them to feel empowered to lead in the direction and vision of the organization.”

    Gerald’s career highlights and accomplishments start at CMP which includes year over year growth within the pleasure craft marine industry through substantial operational challenges over the last number of years that were unprecedented in history. These accomplishments were only achievable through dynamic of incredible teams within operations and CMP in general.  Fortunate to be surrounded with strong and dynamic leaders, Gerald states that he has been blessed to be able to develop, direct and mentor many great people within the organization.

    In prior roles and organizations, Gerald was able to develop teams and products with no prior experience in the space of custom patented powertrain solutions working with the wolds largest OEM heavy equipment and defense contractors. Gerald developed and directed multiple departments which included Operations, Engineering, Testing, R&D, Program Management, and Business Development focusing on protecting and establishing new core technologies associated with powertrains both in hardware and software form. Working within these prior roles and organizations, he was associated with the leadership of more than 50 Inventions that received patentability.

    Among Gerald’s hobbies or personal interests, he enjoys outdoor activities including hiking, skiing, mountain biking, dirt biking, golfing, wake boarding/surfing and anything else that gets him close to nature. He has always enjoyed motor-sport activities such as motor boating, drag racing, motocross, tractor pulling, car and motorcycle restoration. His current motorcycles and car activities include:

    • Dirt bikes: KTM, Yamaha
    • Street bike restoration: ’37 Ariel
    • Car Restoration: ’77 Corvette
    Tyler Seebach

    Tyler Seebach

    Vice President Distribution/OEM sales

    Tyler leads a team of internal and external sales professionals that sell and manage the following channels and regions:

    • Marine distributor sales for the Americas
    • Marine OEM sales globally
    • Contract Manufacturing sales for the Americas
    More about Tyler

    Tyler is also a mentor to CMP’s International sales teams in Europe and Asia as it relates to distributor and OE business. He is the Product Manager for Martyr Anodes, Titan Marine Products, Rocna Anchors, and Octopus Steering & Control Products. Active member of the CMP Executive Group as well as the CMP Delta Steering Committee.

    Among Tyler’s passions of his job at CMP are: interacting with our customers, focusing on exceeding their expectations while growing our business, working with our dedicated, tenured and professional sales teams, working with my local CMP Delta team to succeed in new opportunities and overcome challenges, through the CMP Executive Group, being a part of our continuous change and growth.

    Tyler’s career accomplishments include the following:

    • Spent 7 years in retail management, exceeding goals and winning awards for store growth through those years.
    • Successfully managed a magazine distribution facility and secured new business opportunities over 2 years.
    • 20 years with CMP:
      1. Started with CMP as Junior/ Inside Sales
      2. Promoted to Outside Sales for Canada & the US
      • Promoted to Global Sales Manager
      • Promoted to VP Sales Marine and joined the CMP Delta Steering Committee
      • Revised position as Vice President, Sales – Distribution, OEM & Contract Manufacturing and joining the CMP Executive Group

        Through those years I was involved in establishing new customers, managing different sales channels, new product launches and several acquisitions.

        Tyler’s hobbies and personal interests include, first and foremost, time and love for his family. Interests include cooking, fishing, camping, gardening/ landscaping, music and reading, especially material regarding WWII.

        Theo Vanden Hoven

        Theo Vanden Hoven

        Chief Financial Officer

        Theo is responsible for the development, coordination and administration of the CMP’s financial and information systems, corporate planning and forecasting, safeguarding of company assets, interpretation and counsel on the use of financial data, corporate tax planning and compliance activities, banking and foreign exchange hedging arrangements, and much more.

        More about Theo

        As a member of the corporate management Committee, Theo participates in the corporate strategic and policy decisions. He also participates in the strategic growth of the company through organic or mergers and acquisitions.

        Theo’s reponsibilities include selection, effective management and development of the administration, IT, Customer Service and HR personnel, directing the development and maintenance of accounting and information technology systems, including ERP systems, capable of meeting the needs of corporate management, shareholders and other stakeholders, as well as overseeing the Human Resources function and provide strategic leadership by articulating HR needs and plans to the executive management team, shareholders and the board of directors.

        Michael Szwez, BA, JD

        Michael Szwez, BA, JD

        Vice President Retail Sales and Corporate Counsel

        Michael is responsible for the planning and implementation of the global marine and industrial marketing strategy for the CMP Group suite of products, including Dock Edge +, Martyr Anodes, Titan Marine Products, Rocna Anchors, Octopus Autopilots, Intellisteer Remote Steering Systems and Legend Products.

        In addition, Michael oversees legal, compliance and regulatory concerns for each of the company’s brands.

        More about Michael

        After completing his Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from McGill University, Michael obtained his Juris Doctor from Michigan State University’s Law School In 1999, and was called to the New York and New Jersey Bars in that same year. He subsequently received his Certificate of Qualification for accreditation in Canada.

        Michael has a passion for connecting products with people, focusing on creating new markets and opportunities for the CMP brand.

        He has worked in both the legal and business sectors. His continued passion for boating and outdoor recreational activities, has kept him involved in the marine, fishing and hardware industries for over 20 years. He has been instrumental in assisting with the development of new innovative docking and mooring products as well as developing new selling strategies for marine products. He has written several articles for various leading marine industry magazines and media outlets .He has sat on several boards, including the National Marine Manufacturers Association Canada, and the Georgian Bay Cottage Association, as well as, has served as a legal advisor and consultant for the Senate of Canada.

          Michael enjoys spending time in the outdoors and is an avid angler. As a former member of the McGill University football team, he can also be found binge watching college football games every Saturday.

          Sara Lugonia

          Sara Lugonia

          Corporate Human Resources Manager

          As the Corporate HR Manager, Sara is responsible for leading all of the HR functions across North America as well as providing guidance to our International facilities. She proactively lead the development and implementation of human resources strategies, programs and plans to support our annual corporate business goals.

          More about Sara

          Sara is responsible for collaborating with business leaders and providing guidance on all HR related functions such as talent acquisition, payroll and benefits, training and development, as well as health and safety.

          Here’s what Sara says about her passion for her job:

          Working in HR at times is challenging but that’s what makes it rewarding, you never know what each day will bring and I really enjoy this surprise! I am passionate about people and learning and HR is just this. I enjoy problem solving and determining the best solution which meets both the needs of the company and the employees.

            Sara’s hobbies and personal interests include spending time with her family (she is a mom of twins) as well as time with her dog. She loves the fall season as it’s football season (Let’s go Patriots!), and she love to bake! Her favorite time of year is definitely the holiday season.

            Darrick Lemaster

            Darrick Lemaster

            General Manager US Operations

            Darrick is responsible for strategic direction and planning of all activities pertaining to CMP US Distribution, International Logistics, and Manufacturing.  He is extremely motivated to improving processes and implementing operational strategies.  Darrick continues to maximize profits by overseeing inventory allocations, order processing, and fulfillment.

            More about Darrick

            He coordinates commercial sales and production for the United States marine industry  including Navy, Coast Guard, and shipyards.

            Darrick appreciates and utilizes employees individual strengths to establish a more inclusive workplace environment and encourage professional growth opportunities. He continues to lead driven professionals to collaborate internally and externally on innovative ideas on customer focused solutions. Darrick pushes his team to reach their highest potential and continues raising the bar. 

            David Szwez

            David Szwez

            General Manager Vaughan Facility

            David is responsible for improving efficiency and increasing departmental profits while managing the facility’s overall operations. He is passionate about leading and supporting a team to achieve success through planning, communicating, developing, empowering and coaching while leading by example.

            More about David

            David graduated with Honours from Humber College with 2 diplomas; Business Administration & Accounting. Was instrumental in the inception and growth of the Dock Edge + Inc. company since 1991. ISO 9001:2015 Certified Auditor, Numerous management and leadership courses.

            Outside of work his number one interest is music (David plays guitar in a band), followed by golf, skiing, boating, motorcycling and many other outdoor activities.

            Jesper B. Kristensen, BSc Marine Engineering

            Jesper B. Kristensen, BSc Marine Engineering

            European Sales Director

            Since his promotion to Sales Director in May 2022, Jesper has had the overall responsibility of all Sales within CMP Europe, working across the Executive group for the overall strategy from short-term goals to medium and implementing the strategy in CMPE, including the Distribution Channel, Domestic market (Italy), E-Commerce channel (Amazon) and Naval/OEM.

            More about Jesper

            Jesper’s passion is leading/motivating people and creating relations with clients and partners and taking our strategy from the Boardroom to get it adapted and executed with his dedicated colleagues within the Group.

            His personal hobbies and interests include his family and friends, love of the sea, and trail running, as well as wine and cooking. He has obtained a Firefighter and Smoke diver education as a Royal Danish Navy Officer and further pursued it as a civilian. Jesper is also interested in the history of 19th century.

            Jason Wang

            Jason Wang

            VP, Business Development - Asia, General Manager at Ningbo Jiada Specialty Metals Ltd.

            Jason is in charge of the operation of the CMP’s overseas manufacturing facility, Jiada, and supports the global supply chain demands, supervising sales and business development in Greater China. Part of the executive member team, Jason is involved in global business strategies and implementation.

            More about Jason

            “It is the best reward for me seeing Jiada growing into a profitable and competitive business. I am proud of my team for their passion and work ethic, and their growth with the company together in the past 18 years,” Jason says about his passion for his job.

            Jason’s career accomplishments include increased profitability by over 10% annually in the past 5 years and developing great risk resistance and profitability during multiple world economy crisis such as the pandemic, trade conflict, global logistics shortage, and rising raw material cost.

            He enjoys being social and going on hikes, having organized a local mountain hiking group that has been active for a few years.

            Marco Piacenza, CPA, MBA

            Marco Piacenza, CPA, MBA

            General Manager CMP Europe

            Marco runs CMP Europe Branch having responsibilities on EMEA market (CMP Europe), where he looks after day to day operation relative to sales, finance, supply chain and manufacturing, coordinates a staff of 22 people and leads the implementation of strategic plans shared with corporate level. He is a director of CMP Europe Board and member of CMP Group New Product Development Steering Committee.

              More about Marco

              Marco loves his role as General Manager because of the cross-functionality it requires, with focus on the medium-long term strategic objectives, and of the possibility to concretely addressing the Company’s development. He loves working for CMP Group because of its leadership position in the global marine business, its dynamism and its pragmatism in achieving industrial objectives and the opportunity to work and learn from multinational stakeholders.

              His career accomplishments:

              • Reduced non performing accounts to zero (2017)
              • Built Company medium/long term strategic plans (2019)
              • Reviewed organizational structure (2019)
              • Rationalized manufacturing footprint by closing 3 locations (total 1.500 sqm) and consolidating operation into one (3.000 sqm) (2020)
              • Increased Company Sales from € 3.7 ml (2017) to over € 6.0 ml (2021)

              Marco is a passionate sport motorcycles rider, loves books and movies about crime and a young lover of boating, a passion he has been practicing for some time recently.

              Marco joined CMP Europe full time in February 2014. After working with CMP for a few years as legal advisor, he first held the role of financial controller and in 2017 he was appointed General Manager of the Group European branch. Since the same year he serves as a Director of CMP Europe Board.

              Before joining CMP Europe Marco has been qualified as Chartered Professional Accountant in Genova and worked several years In leading law firms in Genoa and Milan, gaining significant experience in tax and administrative consulting, in M&A operations and in the management of business restructuring.  

              Marco holds a Degree in Economics and Law from the Catholic University in Milan (UCSC) and a Master in Business Administration from SDA Bocconi in Milan.

              Barret Dickinson

              Barret Dickinson

              US National Sales Manager

              Barret has been lucky enough to spend the last 30 years in the marine industry in a variety of roles, such as Retail store Manager with a large big box retailer in GA and FL, Department Manager with large 2 step distributor – Marketing, purchasing and e-commerce, Independent sales rep with firm in South FL representing 30 manufacturers, and National Sales Manager with 2 different manufacturers.

                More about Barret

                Born and raised in Douglas County GA., Barret attended College at the University of West Georgia. He currently resides in N. GA on the shores of Lake Sidney Lanier where he enjoys bass fishing, the culinary arts and of course spending time with his family and a new granddaughter.

                Barret is proud to represent the marine industry and plans to finish his long career in this industry with deep gratitude to all those that have given him the opportunities to flourish in such a great field.

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