Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. announced that Todd W. Seyfert will become the company’s next president and chief executive officer, effective March 1, 2025. He replaces Chris Killoy, who will retire from the company after 20 years of service.
John A. Cosentino, Jr., chairman of the Board of Directors, noted, “Todd is an accomplished executive with extensive experience in the outdoor adventure and shooting sports industries and well recognized for his leadership, strategic vision and operational expertise. He will be instrumental in further strengthening Ruger’s market position and delivering long-term value to shareholders, employees and customers alike. The Board of Directors is confident that Todd’s appointment has positioned Ruger for sustained growth, profitability and innovation in the years to come.”
Recently serving as the CEO of FeraDyne Outdoors, LLC, a manufacturer of archery and hunting products, Seyfert was responsible and successful in driving growth and innovation through product development, operational improvements and strategic acquisitions. His ability to align business strategies with customer needs resulted in market expansion and increased profitability during his tenure.
Before FeraDyne, Seyfert held key leadership roles in other manufacturing and consumer goods companies, where he honed his skills in operations, team development and financial management. His extensive industry experience also includes a background working with ATK/Vista Outdoors, Magnum Research, Bushnell, Michaels of Oregon, and Birchwood Laboratories.
“I am honored to join Ruger and am eager to build upon the strong foundation established by Chris Killoy, the executive team and the 1,800 Ruger employees,” said Seyfert. “I look forward to leading Ruger into its next phase of growth while maintaining our commitment to the company’s core values of integrity, respect, innovation, and teamwork.”
Cosentino expressed the company’s gratitude to Chris Killoy for his leadership and dedication over the past 20 years, “Chris successfully guided the company through transformative milestones, including the pivotal acquisition of Marlin Firearms that expanded our capabilities and market presence, as well as expertly steering the organization through the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. During his tenure, we introduced numerous innovative and commercially successful new products, including the recently launched RXM pistol.”
Killoy joined Ruger in 2003, was named VP of Sales and Marketing in 2006, became president and chief operating officer in 2014 and assumed the role of CEO in 2017. Under his leadership, Ruger solidified its position as one of the leading firearms manufacturers in the United States.
Before Ruger, Killoy held key leadership roles at Smith & Wesson Corp. and Savage Range Systems, where he honed his skills in sales, product development and operational management. His deep product and industry knowledge and commitment to excellence have made him highly respected in the firearms industry.
Cosentino continued, “Throughout his career, Chris has emphasized the importance of new product development, manufacturing excellence and taking care of Ruger employees. His ability to navigate complex challenges while delivering value to stakeholders has been a hallmark of his leadership.”
Killoy will serve as a Special Advisor to Seyfert and the Board of Directors through his planned retirement from the company in May 2025 and remain on the Ruger Board.
Killoy commented on his tenure at Ruger, “It has been an honor to lead Ruger and work alongside such an extraordinary team. I am confident in Todd’s ability to drive the company’s continued success and am excited to see what the future holds for Ruger.
“While transitioning is always bittersweet, I am thrilled to continue contributing to the company’s success as a member of the Board of Directors. This will allow me to remain closely connected to Ruger and support Todd and the leadership team as they guide the company into its next chapter of growth and innovation,” continued Killoy.
Image courtesy Sturm Ruger & Company
