SGB Update Outdoor

OrthoLite Names Cirql VP/GM

OrthoLite hired Matt Thwaites as vice president and general manager of OrthoLite Cirql. He was formerly global sales and marketing director of the Footwear Division for Coats, the industrial thread company.

Lippert Acquires Marine Trailer Performance

Lippert Components, Inc., a components supplier supporting the recreation and transportation industries, acquired substantially all of the business assets of Marine Trailer Performance, a marine axle manufacturer based in Houston, TX.

Columbia Sportswear Names Chief Product Officer, Columbia Brand

Columbia Sportswear Company hired Woody Blackford as senior vice president and chief product officer for the Columbia Brand. Blackford is returning to Columbia, where he previously worked for 14 years, culminating in the position of VP of global design and innovation.

Nikwax Names New Global CEO

Nikwax promoted Brian Davidson to CEO of its global business. Davidson will retain his position as president of Nikwax North America.

Blain’s Farm & Fleet Names New President

Blain’s Farm & Fleet, a family-owned company for 68 years, promoted Mark Hasting to president, the first time a non-family member has held the position, in addition to his chief commerce and operating officer role. Jane Blain Gilbertson, the owner of Blain’s Farm & Fleet and Blain Supply, Inc., will remain CEO.

Foundation Outdoor Group Adds to Brand Portfolio with Two Acquisitions

The company has acquired Mud Hole Custom Tackle, Inc. and American Tackle Company International, Inc. The company said the move positions the company as the “industry’s largest supplier of fishing rod components, supplies, equipment, and rod building instruction.”

La Sportiva Acquires Majority Stake in Meet Italia

La Sportiva reported it acquired a majority stake in the Veneto-based company Meet Italia, a manufacturer that produces Made in Italy mountain footwear and with a strategic partner that has been in place for over twenty years.