Escalade, Incorporated has appointed Daniel A. Messmer to serve as president and CEO of Escalade, Inc. effective immediately. Mr. Messmer will replace Robert E. Griffin who has served as the interim CEO effective since April 19, 2006. Mr. Griffin will continue to serve as Chairman of the Board of Directors.
In making this announcement, Mr. Griffin stated that, “The Board of Directors unanimously approved the appointment of Mr. Messmer because of his in-depth knowledge and understanding of the Company’s business and culture. His success in growing the Sporting Goods business and recent experience in the Office Products business makes him the ideal candidate.”
Mr. Messmer has served as the Chief Operating Officer of Escalade, Inc. since April 19, 2006. He joined Escalade Sports in 1976 and served as its President from 1996 until April 2005. As President, Mr. Messmer was instrumental in growing the Sporting Goods business from $53 million in 1996 to $142 million in 2004. Since April 2005, Mr. Messmer has served as President of Martin Yale, where he has been guiding Martin Yale through its recent restructuring and its improved profitability. Mr. Messmer will continue to serve as President of Martin Yale in addition to his increased duties as Escalade’s President and Chief Executive Officer.
