Jacobsen names new president

Jacobsen, a Textron Company, announced on Sept. 21 the promotion of David Withers to president, effective Oct. 1. Withers has been serving as managing director of the Ransomes division of Jacobsen, located in the United Kingdom, since January 2005, overseeing international operations for all Jacobsen brands, as well as the E-Z-GO brand in Europe.


“I’m very excited about this opportunity,” said Withers. “Having worked in the golf and turf maintenance industry for over 25 years, 19 of those with the Jacobsen team, this appointment is what I have always aspired to. I look forward to working with the team, growing our market share around the world, and continuing Jacobsen’s leadership in turf maintenance products.”


Withers joined Textron in 1992 as a regional sales manager for Jacobsen in the UK. In 1996, he was promoted to the position of national accounts manager, where he focused on developing business with key customers across Europe. In 2002, he was promoted to sales and marketing director before his appointment in 2005 as managing director of Ransomes Jacobsen.


Withers is a proven leader in the golf and turf industry and is highly respected amongst his peers and customers. “With his broad international experience — which spans over 45 countries — and his strong track record in business development and operational excellence, I am confident that he is the right person to maximize the growth opportunities that lie ahead for Jacobsen,” said Textron CEO Scott Donnelly.


Withers will succeed Dan Wilkinson, who is retiring from the company after 14 years of service to Textron. Under Wilkinson’s leadership, Jacobsen made great strides in improving its operating efficiency and reinvigorating its product offering, including the introduction of the innovative Eclipse 322, the world’s first hybrid riding greens mower.