Last August, KICKER Marine Audio announced it was offering its products directly to powerboat builders, dubbed OEMS—short for Original Equipment Manufacturers in the parts-supplier world. That was a major shift, as KICKER Marine Audio products have made their way into the market through its installer network.
Will Cherry has joined the KICKER Marine Audio team.
Coming up on a year since the announcement, the Stillwater, Okla., company has made another big move by adding Will Cherry as OEM Marine sales manager, “further expanding the company’s direct engagement with boat builders and marine industry partners.”
According to a KICKER Marine Audio press release this morning, Cherry brings years of experience across the powersports and recreational audio industries, including extensive work in OEM integration and product strategy collaboration. In his new role, he will work directly with boat manufacturers, engineers, and product managers to support KICKER’s growing OEM Marine program.
“Will brings a strong understanding of OEM relationships and the practical realities builders face every day,” said Bart Deal, vice-president of Product Strategy and OEM for KICKER, in the release. “As our marine business continues to grow, we’re investing in the people, engineering, and support structure needed to serve builders at a higher level.
“Will’s experience and approach fit well with where we’re headed,” he added.
Cherry joins “a growing cross-functional OEM initiative at KICKER that brings together marine audio engineering, product development, technical support, and builder collaboration,” according to the release. The effort includes Phil White, who has led the development and technical advancement of KICKER Marine products for more than two decades.
Developed in close collaboration with other KICKER leaders, the move is designed to strengthen long-term OEM partnerships and support future marine system integration opportunities.
“KICKER has a reputation that reaches far beyond audio,” said Will Cherry. “The company has built trust through performance, engineering, and long-term relationships. I’m excited to help expand that presence in the marine OEM space. There’s real momentum around what KICKER is building.”