By David Clucas
Vista Outdoor (NYSE:VSTO) has restructured its Outdoor Group, including new leadership for some of its recently acquired brands.
Kelly Grindle, president of Outdoor Products at Vista Outdoor, outlined three new market areas for the group, including Outdoor Recreation, Sport Protection and Hunting and Shooting Accessories.
“I am confident this structure will provide additional brand focus, resources and strategic support for today and into the future as we expand and acquire new businesses,” said Grindle.
Jessica Klodnicki, who formerly served as general manager of Vista’s cycling brands (including Bell, Blackburn and C-Preme) will take on a new role as vice president for Outdoor Recreation and will be responsible for the CamelBak and Jimmy Styks brands. Wim de Jager, director of Watersports, will report to Klodnicki.
CamelBak President Layne Rigney is resigning from the company to pursue other opportunities, officials said. Rigney, who’s last day will be September 13, had been with CamelBak for a decade before ascending to the president role following longtime CamelBak CEO Sally McCoy’s resignation earlier this year.
“I think Jessica is just the right fit to lead CamelBak into the future,” Rigney said. “She inherits a strong, passionate team ready to take the business to the next level under the ownership of Vista Outdoor.”
Greg Shapleigh, formerly the vice president for Giro, Bollé and Cébé, will add Serengeti, Bell/Blackburn/C-Preme and Bell Powersports to his plate in a new role as vice president of Sport Protection.
“Greg brings a legacy of strong leadership and vision to the brands he has led,” Grindle said.
Officials anticipate the role of vice president for Hunting and Shooting Accessories to be filled in the near future.
The moves follow a busy year of acquisitions for the company, including Bell, Giro, Jimmy Styks and CamelBak. The acquisitions are helping the company diversify from its shooting sports background. Vista Outdoor reported its most recent quarter’s earnings fell 14.1 percent to $29.1 million, but sales grew 23 percent to $630 million thanks to the newly acquired brands.
Photo courtesy CamelBak
