USA - GOAL ZERO (www.goalzero.com) announced the promotion of Joe Atkin to CEO. Atkin had previously served as President of the company. Atkin replaces founder Robert Workman who will be taking on a new role as Co-Chairman of the Board of Directors and as Chief Creative Officer over Product Development. Fraser Bullock will remain as Workman’s Co-Chairman of the board.

“I am extremely appreciative of Robert’s endorsement of me and the team”
Atkin’s existing knowledge of Goal Zero will both ensure a smooth executive transition and enable the company to maintain the rapid growth and innovation demonstrated in the last 24 months.

“Joe has been a vital force within Goal Zero since joining the company full time in 2009,” said founder Robert Workman. “The time has come for me to focus my efforts where my passion and strengths will best serve Goal Zero going forward, and I couldn’t be more excited to be able to spend more time with our highly creative product development team. I don’t believe there is anyone better suited to take over the role of CEO than Joe. As President, he led the team with extraordinary vision, strategy and passion. I am confident the company is in capable hands under Joe’s leadership.”

“I am extremely appreciative of Robert’s endorsement of me and the team,” said Atkin. “He is a visionary and a great mentor. It’s not often that one gets the chance to work with a person like Robert, who truly believes in empowering people to reach their potential. I’ve been able to witness first-hand how a focus on building the team has translated into individual growth and collective success that is nearly unprecedented in today’s market. I look forward to continuing to empower our employees, shareholders, and customers.”

Prior to working for Goal Zero, Atkin was a Senior Manager at Sorenson Capital, a private equity firm, based in Lehi, UT, that invests in companies needing additional capital or skill sets in order to achieve their growth potential. Atkin was first introduced to Goal Zero through his work with Sorenson Capital, which is a significant shareholder of the company. Atkin has started four businesses and served as a President, CFO and VP of Marketing for several businesses ranging from $1 to $70 million in revenue. Atkin received an MBA and BS in Economics from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah.

Robert Workman worked for 30 years as a successful entrepreneur and owner of Provo Craft and Novelty Inc., helping expand company from a single retail store in Provo, Utah, to become a worldwide manufacturer and distributor of craft and hobby products to the paper crafting, scrap booking, arts & craft, home decor, and gift industries. In 2007, Workman established TIFIE Humanitarian, a Utah-based international organization that is pioneering a new approach to charitable efforts in Africa and the South Pacific. TIFIE has established thriving agricultural development farms, medical initiatives, business entities, and successful distribution, transportation and construction services in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Western Samoa. Goal Zero was born out of the TIFIE efforts in Africa and was officially organized in 2009. Workman was recognized as the Humanitarian of the Year by ASCEND, a Humanitarian Alliance and was also awarded the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2007. He has been married for 32 years to his wife Angé, and they are the parents of eight children and 11 grandchildren.