Sport-Haley has appointed Donald W. Jewell, Senior Vice President, to act as interim CEO until a permanent CEO can be appointed. Ronald J. Norick, Chairman of the Board, stated, “We are pleased to announce the appointment of Don Jewell to act as interim CEO. Don has served Sport-Haley well as its Senior Vice President since February 2001. In addition, Don has previously acted as the chief executive officer of two apparel-related companies in Canada.”
Jewell was the founder, president and director of Jewell-Rung International, a Canadian distributor of premium and mid-priced men's apparel. Mr. Jewell began designing, sourcing and marketing golf apparel in 1993 while serving as the founder, chief executive officer and shareholder of Jewell Apparel Group, positions that he held from 1980 to 1999.
Because of Mr. Jewell's appointment as interim Chief Executive Officer, Kevin M. Tomlinson, who has served as Chief Executive Officer since March 2002 and as President since January 2004, will step down from those positions effective today. Mr. Tomlinson will continue to serve the Company as a director. Mr. Tomlinson has agreed to assist the Chairman of the Board through the end of the term of his employment agreement on March 17, 2005, in the orderly transition of new management.
Mr. Norick stated, “The Board is very grateful for Kevin Tomlinson's dedication and service to the Company during a period that has been challenging for the entire golf apparel industry and for Mr. Tomlinson, personally.” Mr. Norick stated further that “Mr. Tomlinson recently lost his father, Robert G. Tomlinson, who played a major role in the development of the Company and his brother is recovering from serious personal injuries sustained earlier this year. The Board understands and appreciates Mr. Tomlinson's desire to step away from his duties to focus on important family matters. On behalf of the Board and all of the employees of the Company, we thank Kevin for his service and important contributions to the Company and wish him well in all of his future endeavors.”
Mr. Tomlinson stated that “It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as the Company's Chief Executive Officer. I am grateful for the understanding and support that I have received from the Board and from the Company's employees throughout my tenure. I am confident that the Board will choose a successor who will continue the Sport-Haley tradition of producing fashion golf apparel of the highest quality, with the most innovative designs available in the marketplace. I also look forward to assisting the Chairman of the Board in the transition to new senior management.”
