Steve Stephens has been appointed director of marketing for The Toro Company, Irrigation Division, according to Phil Burkart, vice president/general manager of the division.

In his new role, Stephens will develop and implement the strategic marketing plans for all irrigation division product lines, including Toro residential/commercial and golf products, and Irritrol Systems brand products. He also will oversee the activities of the marketing managers for both brands, as well as the marketing services department, which is responsible for the implementation of the division’s marketing communications program.

Prior to joining Toro, Stephens was vice president, operational marketing, for Centex Homes. In this position, he was responsible for building multiple brands, as well as overseeing the development and execution of advertising and customer satisfaction programs. He also held a number of marketing positions with Black & Decker, where he honed his strategic planning, product development and multiple-channel marketing skills.