Compass Diversified Holdings (CODI), the parent of 5.11, Liberty Safe, Marucci Sports and Velocity Outdoor, appointed Katie Melzer as managing director and head of business development.
Melzer will work closely with CODI’s investment team to develop and maintain relationships with intermediaries across the country and work with CODI’s existing subsidiaries to foster growth through opportunistic acquisitions.
Prior to joining CODI, Melzer spent more than 15 years at Robert W. Baird & Co., most recently serving as a director in the consumer Investment Banking group. In this role, she worked with private equity firms and multinational companies on sell-side, buy-side and financing transactions, gaining significant cross-border transaction experience having worked in Baird’s London and Asia offices. Notable transactions include OGIO International’s sale to Calloway Golf Company, ENVE Composites’ sale to Amer Sports Corporation, Fox Head’s sale to Altamont Capital Partners, and Helly Hansen’s sale to the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan. In 2016, Melzer was honored with the SGB Media 40 Under 40 Award which features industry leaders who are making a significant impact and contribution to the active lifestyle industry. She received an M.B.A. from the UCLA Anderson School of Management and a B.A. in Organizational Management from the University of Michigan.
“Katie brings a wealth of skills and experience in senior roles, and we are pleased to welcome her to CODI’s growing team,” said Elias Sabo, CEO of Compass Diversified. “Leveraging our patient and disciplined investment approach and significant balance sheet strength, we are poised to execute on compelling opportunities in this dislocated market and are keenly focused on growing CODI’s leading businesses through opportunistic acquisitions. With a proven track record, significant M&A execution expertise, and deep industry relationships, I am confident that Katie is the right person to lead our business development initiatives.”
“I am excited to join CODI at a time when the Company’s permanent capital structure continues to differentiate them from other traditional private equity investors,” said Melzer. “I look forward to working closely with the Company’s seasoned investment team as we partner with CODI’s subsidiaries across the branded consumer and niche industrial sectors to drive strategic long-term growth and maximize value for all stakeholders.”
CODI’s other businesses include Advanced Circuits, Arnold Magnetic Technologies, Ergobaby, Foam Fabricators, and Sterno.
Photo courtesy CODI
