Oregon Tool is an aftermarket-driven precision-cutting-tool platform. Among its portfolio of brands is Woods and Speeco.

The name change comes with a plan to expand into adjacent categories as well as lean into global stewardship to promote the sustainability of the industry as well as to support those who work in it.

Member since 1967 |

Tonnesen succeeds Josh Collins, who had been CEO since 2009. Also departing from Blount is President and Chief Operating Office David Willmott.

The announcement from the company characterized Tonnesen as a seasoned leader in the global branded goods and durables space. He has more than 30 years of industry experience.

“His expansive industry relationships, track record and leadership approach make him an ideal choice,” said Loren Easton, Blount’s co-chairman and a managing director of American Securities LLC. “We’d like to thank Josh and David for their leadership and dedication to Blount. We wish them well in their future endeavors.”

Josh Paulson, also a co-chairman and partner at P2 Capital Partners, said Tonneson is “the right executive to lead Blount at this important time” and brings “a proven track record of product innovation, a global perspective and a growth mindset to the business.”

Tonnesen most recently was global president of Fiskars Group, a supplier of home, garden and outdoor products. Before Fiskars, Tonnesen served in leadership roles with brands such as Elmer’s Products and Kraft Heinz.

Tonnesen is also a vice chairman and trustee for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America in the Midwest, and a member of the Board of Advisors of Saris Cycling Group.

Member since 1967 |

Mr. Tonnesen is a seasoned leader in the global branded goods and durables space, with over 30 years of industry experience and a track record of success leading and growing brands.

“Paul is an executive of the highest caliber, with a history of strong product and brand leadership in the durable goods sector. His expansive industry relationships, track record and leadership approach make him an ideal choice,” said Loren Easton, Blount’s Co-Chairman and a Managing Director of American Securities LLC. “We’d like to thank Josh and David for their leadership and dedication to Blount. We wish them well in their future endeavors.”

“We are grateful to have Paul join the team – he is the right executive to lead Blount at this important time. We look forward to working with Paul as he brings a proven track record of product innovation, a global perspective and a growth mindset to the business to continue Blount’s growth and market leadership position,” said Josh Paulson, Blount’s Co-Chairman and Partner at P2 Capital Partners.

“Blount’s global footprint, manufacturing expertise and strong customer relationships position it well for continued success. I’m excited to work with the entire Blount team that has set the bar high for world-class innovation and quality,” said Mr. Tonnesen. “I see enormous opportunity in Blount’s leading brands and products and am honored to be a part of Blount’s next chapter of success.”

Prior to joining Blount, Mr. Tonnesen served as a Global President of Fiskars Group, a leading global supplier of home, garden and outdoor products, where he oversaw a 10-year period of strong top and bottom-line growth. Mr. Tonnesen bolstered Fiskars’ R&D department, enhanced brand visibility and grew market share in its key categories.

Before Fiskars, Mr. Tonnesen served in several leadership roles with some of the most recognized global brands, including Elmer’s Products and KraftHeinz. He received his MBA from Pepperdine University’s Graziadio Business School and his bachelor’s degree from Le Moyne College, where he serves on the advisory board for the Madden School of Business.

Mr. Tonnesen is also a Vice Chairman and Trustee for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America in the Midwest, and a member of the Board of Advisors of Saris Cycling Group.

About Blount International

Blount designs, manufactures and markets replacement parts, equipment, and accessories for consumers and professionals in select global end markets, including: Forestry, Lawn, and Garden (“FLAG”); Farm, Ranch, and Agriculture (“FRAG”) and Concrete, Cutting and Finishing (“CCF”). Blount is the global market leader in manufacturing saw chain and guide bars for chain saws. Blount has a global manufacturing and distribution footprint and sells its products in more than 110 countries around the world. Blount markets its products primarily under the OREGON® (the World’s #1 Saw Chain Brand), Carlton®, Woods®, SpeeCo®, ICS® and Pentruder® brands. For more information about Blount, please visit our website at .