Easton-Bell Sports, Inc., reshuffled senior and mid-level managers at its Easton Sports unit.



Mike Zlaket will replace Chris Zimmeran as president of Easton Sports effective April 1. Zimmerman; John Graham, senior vice president-commerce; and Craig Ryan, vice president – global hockey sales, have all resigned from Easton Sports effective immediately.


Zlaket began his career with Easton Sports in 1991 and was vice president of the baseball/softball business prior to the 2006 merger which created Easton-Bell Sports. From 2006 to 2008 he served as the senior vice president – product marketing for Riddell and then as executive vice president and general manager of Easton Sports until 2011.


Arndt was promoted to execuive vice president and general manager-Hockey from his position as senior vice president – product creation (North America), where he reported to Zlaket. Arndt is a 21-year Easton veteran who has managed product teams in North America that led to the introduction of a variety of industry leading products.

Other management changes include:


  • Bob Diebold, currently director of strategic accounts, has been promoted to vice president – baseball/softball and lacrosse sales, reporting to Zlaket. With his unique knowledge and understanding of Eastons business and its partners, Diebold will be responsible for development and execution of the strategies to continue the growth of the baseball/softball and lacrosse businesses. He has been with Easton since 2001 when he began his career as a strategic account manager. He has experience in developing, implementing and executing growth with strategic accounts and brings experience in specialty and team sales and service.
  • Mark Kuryak has been appointed senior vice president -global hockey sales, reporting to Arndt.  Kuryak will rejoin Easton Sports on April 1 after leading sales for OGIO International and then Rawlings Sporting Goods Company, Inc. during the past five years. While at Easton, he held leadership positions in U.S. hockey sales for nearly 15 years. He is highly regarded in the sporting goods industry for his strategic sales leadership and building long-term customer relationships.

We have been working hard to identify the right senior leadership team and strategic business initiatives that will position our company for long-term growth and success, said Terry Lee, executive chairman and chief executive officer of Easton-Bell. We are delighted to announce the appointments and promotions of proven leaders who have the passion for our products and necessary expertise to help the company achieve its full potential.


Tim Mayhew, Easton-Bells president and chief operating officer, said, We are pleased with the initial progress we have made in creating a more entrepreneurial culture that is focused on innovation and customer service, and that will continue to be our priority going forward. We welcome Mike and Mark back to Easton-Bell and congratulate Matt and Bob on their well-deserved promotions. We are confident that all of these individuals will contribute meaningfully to the future success of the company.


I would like to thank Chris, John and Craig for their dedication and many contributions to making Easton one of the most successful and recognizable brands in sports, said Lee. I wish them well in all of their future endeavors.



Easton-Bell Sports, Inc. is a leading designer, developer and marketer of branded sports equipment, protective products and related accessories. The company markets and licenses products under such well-known brands as Easton, Bell, Giro, Riddell and Blackburn.