Peak Achievement Athletics Inc. and its controlling shareholders, Sagard Holdings and Fairfax Financial announced the appointment of Anthony M. Palma as the chief executive officer of Easton Diamond Sports, effective June 13, 2017. In addition to his role as CEO of Easton,Palma will also serve as co-CEO of Peak with Ed Kinnaly.
Palma has over 23 years of experience in the sports industry. He was the CEO of Easton Sports and Easton Bell Sports during the company’s strong brand and sales ascent during the 1990’s through 2008. Recently, he was the CEO of OGIO International for over 7 years and successfully positioned the company as a sports lifestyle brand. His career has been earmarked by driving first-to-market innovative products and creative marketing in the baseball, softball, hockey, bicycle, archery, football, golf, and power sports markets. He has served on several boards including the action sports apparel company, Volcom. Palma is a passionate sports enthusiast and resides in Southern California with his wife and has enjoyed raising his two sons.
Paul Desmarais III, chairman of Peak and Executive Chairman of Sagard Holdings, said: “We are excited to work with Tony Palma who shares our long term vision for Easton. Tony has led Easton in the past and is a proven product innovator and longtime champion of the Easton brand.”
Paul Rivett, president of Fairfax, said: “We are delighted to have Tony returning to lead the company where he spent the formative years of his career working side-by-side with Easton’s founder, Jim Easton.”
Palma said: “I am exciting to be coming home to Easton. I look forward to being part of the great sports of baseball and softball and creating innovative products that raise the performance level of athletes to their highest potential. Our mission for creating innovative products will be supported by unique brand marketing that excites and interacts with consumers and our retail partners. The brands under the Peak umbrella are truly world-class in their respective sports and I am honored to be joining such a special organization.”
Photo courtesy Easton
