Benchmade is proud to announce that current President, Jon deAsis, will be ascending to the role of President & CEO effective immediately, replacing Roberta deAsis, who filled the role after the sudden passing of her husband and founder, Les deAsis.
Jon deAsis takes on this new role to provide strategic leadership focused on guiding and solidifying Benchmade’s position in the market. Roberta will assume the position of Chairwoman of the Board, where she will continue to maintain a strong voice for the brand and the business at the board level.
“This is a big moment for our family as Jon takes on the mantle of president and CEO”, said Roberta deAsis. “Jon had been filling many of the CEO duties prior to the sudden passing of Les and it was our longstanding goal to always be good stewards for Benchmade. I am proud to see Jon continuing to uphold the hallmark reputation that his father started.”
Jon grew up in the business, learning and preparing himself for this role through various positions inside and outside of Benchmade. He spent time working in China, honing his skills in supply chain and manufacturing management, as well as earning a Master of Business Administration in 2015. Jon’s innate knowledge of the family business and global perspective within the knife industry drives him to continue to lead and evolve the brand.
“My immediate focus is to ensure that Benchmade continues to produce the finest cutlery in the world while increasing efforts to drive our technological edge,” said deAsis. “I now have the opportunity to guide this mission, while continuing to uphold my father’s memory and contributions to the knife industry in our core values.”
Jon has led Benchmade operationally through exceptional times for the brand, successfully navigating and supporting the business through both the global COVID-19 pandemic as well the passing of his father, company founder and former CEO, Les de Asis, in February of 2020.
“As we move forward, I am committed to elevating our brand around the world,” said Jon deAsis. “We will have a laser-like focus on creating new opportunities for growth while continuing to elevate Benchmade’s commitment to our community, culture and product excellence.”
Benchmade has called Oregon City home since the 1990s and much of its success comes from the strong talent of the workforce and partnership with the community at large. During these challenging times in Clackamas county, Jon has been directing Benchmade’s efforts to give back to the emergency personnel fighting Oregon fires through donations and support for the Clackamas Emergency Service Fund and the Wildland Firefighter fund.
Additionally, in support of the continued growth and education of local talent, the deAsis family and Benchmade have partnered with Clackamas Community College to establish the Les deAsis Makerspace. This makerspace will provide opportunities for exploration, skill-building and business development for local students and community members with the goal of helping people get access to the tools to create and build their vision.
Benchmade Knife Company is a founding member of the American Knife & Tool Institute and continues as a Board of Regent member.