Gregory Mountain Products president and CEO John N. Simons has resigned to “pursue outside interests.” The expedition, backpacking and day packs manufacturer has begun a search for a new president and CEO, hiring executive search firm Egon Zehnder International to lead an international recruitment effort.
Gregory Mountain Products repurchased Simons equity interest in the company. Investors Warren B. Kanders and Robert R. Schiller, along with remaining members of the management team, including founder Wayne Gregory, continue to hold all of the equity interests in Gregory Mountain Products LLC. Terms of the purchase were not disclosed.
“It's been a privilege to develop and work with the outstanding team at Gregory and its incredible partners around the globe, and I am confident that the business is well positioned to perform at the same high level in its future,” Simons said.
Through Gregory, Kanders and Schiller plan to identify, acquire and integrate top-tier niche brands within the industry which are consistent with the investors' overall strategic vision and with Gregory's core values, he said. The group expects to pursue both buy-and-hold acquisitions and brands that integrate cohesively with Gregory.
“This is a part of our natural evolution as a company and our investment thesis is unchanged,” said Kanders.
