5.11 Tactical announced today that Francisco Morales, co-founder and president of 5.11, has been appointed as the company’s chief executive officer, effective September 4. Morales will also be appointed to the company’s board of directors.
He will succeed Tom Davin, who will be transitioning from his position as CEO. Davin will continue to serve in an advisory role to the company.
Francisco Morales is currently the president of 5.11, which he co-founded in 2003. Morales was president of outdoor and travel clothing company Royal Robbins, where he helped create the 5.11 brand. Earlier in his career, Morales held a variety of positions at L.L. Bean and Dick’s Sporting Goods, where he developed brands and product lines across various product categories and was a member of the team that created the Dick’s Sporting Goods private label division. Morales earned an executive MBA at the Thunderbird School of Global Management and a degree from Jefferson University (formerly Philadelphia College of Textiles and Science).
5.11 also announced the appointment of Matt Hyde as executive chairman. Hyde previously served as chief executive officer of West Marine following a 26-year tenure at REI, culminating as executive vice president. Hyde will be working closely with Morales and the senior leadership team to help develop strategy and set priorities as the business continues to grow.
“It has been a tremendous honor to lead 5.11 as CEO and serve members of the law enforcement, firefighting, EMS and military communities with innovative products. Like my service in the Marine Corps, being part of 5.11 has been a calling. I am proud of the team we’ve built and the culture that will carry on,” stated Davin. “Francisco Morales has been my partner for the past seven years. He is one of the most talented leaders I’ve worked with during my 30 year business career. I’m excited to support him as he guides 5.11 through the next stages of global growth.”
Morales commented, “I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to work closely with a leader of Tom Davin’s caliber and to continue to have him as an advisor. 5.11’s prospects are strong, and I am honored to become the company’s new CEO. I look forward to working closely with Matt Hyde, our entire senior leadership team, and our exceptional group of dedicated professionals to further solidify 5.11’s leadership position. We remain committed to continuing 5.11’s proud tradition of partnering with our end-users while continuously innovating new purpose-built apparel and gear for the most demanding missions.”
