David Burroughs is taking over as president of Cascade Designs from Joe McSwiney, who held the post for ten years. He is the son of John Burroughs, founder and chairman of the 44-year-old company, whose brand portfolio includes Therm-a-Rest, Mountain Safety Research (MSR), Platypus, SealLine, and PackTowl. McSwiney, who has been with Cascade for 22 years, running initially its European operations out of Ireland, will remain on the board of directors. David Burroughs' promotion at the head of the family-owned company had been planned in advance. Cascade says he has been an active board member for 12 years, serving more recently as vice president of strategic business development. As a child he started to get involved in the family business by packaging Therm-a-Rest sacks in his bedroom.