Staccato 2011, the manufacturer of the 2011 pistol platform and developer of firearms, ammunition and shooting facilities, has hired Jeremy Morton as VP of business development for Government Programs, Jay Helmick as executive vice president of sales and Willem Driessen as chief marketing officer.
“These three leaders bring exceptional experience, discipline and credibility to Staccato,” said company Co-CEO Buck Pierson. “They share our values and our uncompromising standards, and their leadership will help accelerate innovation as we continue to pave the way in precision shooting for professionals and responsibly armed citizens alike.”
Jeremy Morton is a retired U.S. Army Sergeant Major with over 21 years of distinguished service in Army Special Operations and numerous commendations for leadership and valor, including the Legion of Merit, Purple Heart, Bronze Star with Valor, six Bronze Stars for service, and multiple Defense Meritorious Service Medals. His unit honors include the Presidential Unit Citation and the Valorous Unit Award. Following his military career, he joined Crye Precision before becoming the executive director of the Special Operations Care Fund.
Jay Helmick joined Staccato as executive vice president of sales in Q4 2025. He brings over 20 years of leadership experience in premium sporting goods and manufacturing organizations, including Baden Sports and Axe Bat. Across senior sales, marketing and general management roles, Helmick has “built high-performance teams, executed omnichannel and dealer-driven strategies and partnered closely with manufacturing and operations.”
Willem Driessen has been leading Staccato’s global marketing and eCommerce strategy since Q4 2025, overseeing brand messaging and communications across all business areas, including pistols, ammunition, apparel, experiences, and memberships. Driessen brings deep experience from the tactical and outdoor industries, having held senior leadership positions at 5.11 Tactical and Black Diamond Equipment. He also brings credibility as a professional end user, having served in the Dutch military with the Royal Marine Commandos and the Netherlands’ premier special operations unit, KCT, and having completed multiple overseas deployments.
“These appointments reflect our continued investment in leadership that understands both our mission and our community,” Pierson added. “With Jeremy, Jay and Willem on board, Staccato is well positioned for our next chapter of growth.”
Image courtest Staccato 2011
