Lee Knowlton, 47, was appointed the new CEO of Tempe-based toy company, Pump It Up, LLC on June 20, 2009. The company is the leading multi-brand franchise for indoor inflatable playground equipment. Pump It Up LLC acquired the Mesa-based Bounce U in 2008 and the combined sales are expected to be $100 million in 2009. The inflatable playground equipment is popular at kids' parties.

Lee Knowlton replaced Gordon Keil who was hired in 2006 to transition the company from an entrepreneurial culture to more of a corporate one following its acquisition by Tregaron Capital Company LLC, a private investment company. Keil will remain a stakeholder and will be a member of the company's board of advisers.

Knowlton comes from Scottsdale-based Kahala Corp., where he was the COO and oversaw the company's 12 brands and 3,750 stores, which included Cold Stone Creamery, Blimpie, Samurai Sams, Taco Time and others. He has 18 years of experience in operations management.

John Laub is the Chairman of the Phoenix CEO-CFO Group.

1. "New CEO Named at Tempe Toy Company." Angelique Soenarie. The Arizona Republic. July 2, 2009.

2. "PIU Management, Nation's Largest Inflatable Party Franchise, Names New CEO, Starts `New Era' as Its Chief Executive Officer." Company Press Release. Franchiseworks.com. July 1, 2009.