The Escalade, Inc. Board of Directors has appointed Robert J. Keller as president and CEO of the company, effective August 1, 2007. Mr. Keller will replace Mr. Terry Frandsen who has served as the interim CEO since April 2007. Mr. Frandsen will continue to serve as VP Finance and CFO.
Escalade's chairman, Robert Griffin, stated that “Mr. Keller brings significant sales, marketing and operating experience that will complement the management team already in place at Escalade. His experience in developing and implementing strategic growth strategies will enhance Escalade's ability to realize its growth plans and enhance shareholder value.”
Mr. Keller recently served as the president of Disston Tool Company, a subsidiary of Kennametal, Inc., where he implemented growth strategies that increased sales and profits of this consumer product company. From 2000 to 2005, Mr. Keller worked for Russell Corporation in various positions of increasing responsibility including president of a sports apparel unit with $300 million in sales to mass market retailers. From 1997 to 2000, Mr. Keller worked for Coca-Cola Company as a managing director responsible for the Wal-Mart account team which had $900 million in annual sales. From 1993 to 1997, Mr. Keller co-founded and led Armor All Home Care, later acquired by The Clorox Company. As VP of sales and marketing, he successfully managed the strategic development and launch of new products which significantly increased sales and market share. Prior to 1993, Mr. Keller served in several sales and operations management positions.
Mr. Keller has a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology and has completed the Harvard Business School Finance for Senior Executive program. Mr. Keller will relocate to Evansville where Escalade is headquartered.
