Black Diamond Equipment, which has had several costly recalls since bringing much of its equipment manufacturing to Salt Lake City from China, appointed Rick Vance as director of quality, effective August 1, 2016.
Vance will oversee Black Diamond’s quality policy, controls and processes, including controls and practices within Black Diamond’s Salt Lake manufacturing operations and further integration of the quality department upstream into product design and development. Vance will serve on Black Diamond’s management team and participate in executive-level management of the company.
“In joining our executive team, not only does Rick fulfill a key role, but he also brings a wealth of working knowledge capable of refining operations across our business and developing the next generation of our global supply chain,” said Mark Ritchie, president of Black Diamond Equipment.
Vance previously worked at Petzl America, Harold K. Dunn M.D. Orthopedic Research Laboratory and the Naval Surface Warfare Center. “I’m thrilled to be joining the Black Diamond team,” said Vance. “As an industry veteran, I’m very appreciative of the authenticity it lends to our products.”
In May, Black Diamond reported higher than normal costs incurred addressing quality control problems shaved 270 basis points from its gross margin in the first. quarter ended March 31.
