BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — B.A.S.S., the world’s largest fishing organization, today announced the promotion of Executive Vice President Phillip Johnson to Chief Operating Officer. For the past two years, Johnson has steered the organization’s content strategy, advertising, events, marketing and communications. Now, he will also assume management responsibilities of the Bassmaster Tournament operations as well as focus on new processes to improve and expand total business operations.

“I am pleased to announce the promotion of Phillip Johnson to Chief Operating Officer, B.A.S.S. LLC,” said B.A.S.S. CEO Chase Anderson. “I have known and worked with Phillip for well over a decade. He has been a trusted executive for the Anderson Companies for 17 years, at one time leading a department of more than 7,000 associates. I have been very impressed with Phillip’s work at B.A.S.S. as he has spearheaded the reorganization of business operations.

“Phillip’s leadership and collaborative approach to working with our associates and customers is taking our company to a new level,” Anderson added. “Phillip’s new expanded role will give him management responsibilities over our operations, and I’m confident we will continue to evolve with an ‘outside-in’ culture and maintain our position of strength and leadership in our industry.”

Johnson’s 25 years of experience in sales and operations management will prove vital to B.A.S.S., as the organization continues to focus on growing the sport and more completely engaging current participants and fans. He will continue to play a crucial part of ad and sponsorship sales, events and content, and has also played a vital role in building the organization's relationship with FOX Sports, which recently led to a contract renewal with increased coverage that has the potential to deliver the biggest audience the sport has ever seen.

About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the 500,000-member organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.

The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Bassmaster Elite Series, St. Croix Bassmaster Opens Series presented by SEVIIN, Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier Series presented by Lowrance, Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Strike King Bassmaster High School Series, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Team Championship, Yamaha Rightwaters Bassmaster Kayak Series scored by TourneyX, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Jockey Outdoors.