Newsmakers - February 2025

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L. Cotton

Legacy1846 Outdoor Group Welcomes VP

Luke Cotton has stepped into the role of VP of brand and customer relations for Legacy1846 Outdoor Group. He will drive collaboration across multiple divisions within the Legacy1846 family, including Outtech and The Sports Products Group.

Andrew Sibble, CEO of Legacy1846 said, “[Cotton’s] vast experience, proven track record in the industry and deep understanding of the outdoor market make him a perfect fit for our organization.”

Cotton has over 10 years of experience from his tenure with organizations such as NBS and Mid-States Distributing.

W. Vernon

Powder Valley Outdoors Names Marketing VP

Powder Valley Outdoors announced the appointment of Willie Vernon as its VP of marketing. Vernon will spearhead all marketing efforts to drive growth, enhance brand awareness, and deepen customer engagement.

Powder Valley Outdoors’ CEO Bill Clinton expressed, “[Vernon’s] extensive industry experience, innovative approach and deep passion for the outdoor community make her the perfect leader to guide our marketing efforts.”

Vernon brings a wealth of experience to the company. She has held prominent roles at brands including SilencerCo, Vista Outdoor, BOTE and Christensen Arms.

C. Powell

Victory Archery Welcomes Manager

Cody Powell joined Victory Archery to serve as the regional sales manager. In his new role, Powell will collaborate with Victory Archery’s in-house team to further elevate the brand’s presence and unlock new business opportunities.

Steve Greenwood, Victory Archery GM stated, “Knowing Cody and watching his success and dedication to his customers, I could not be more excited to have him join us.”

Powell’s ample career experience stems from roles at Gart Sports, Sportsman’s Warehouse, Gold Tip, Bushnell and Primos.

S. Schleicher

Leica Sport Optics Taps Sales VP

Leica appointed Sebastian Schleicher as the VP of sales for Sport Optics as the brand continues to expand its footprint in the U.S. premium sport optics market. In this role, he oversees Leica USA’s sales efforts for the sports optics division and will focus on building long-term strategic partnerships with retailers and enhancing brand awareness.

Before joining Leica last May, Schleicher spent over nine years at Traeger Grills. He also served as sales director for North America at Soundboks, a Danish Bluetooth speaker company.

D. Dunn

Hydra Weaponry Hires Plant Manager

Dave Dunn has joined Hydra Weaponry as the company’s plant manager of its new 20,000-sq.-ft. facility.

“Dave brings with him extensive experience in back-of-the-house production and facilities management, plus front-of-the-house skills like sales and new business development,” Mack Gwinn III, CEO of Hydra Weaponry, said. “He keeps the corporate machine well-oiled and running smoothly.”

Dunn brings 47 years of experience as a sales manager and the director of operations/plant manager with Silvex, a full-service company, specializing in electroplating and surface finishing, to the role.

M. Clarey

IHEA-USA Announces Director

The International Hunter Education Association-USA (IHEA-USA) hired Matt Clarey as its first director of business development and sales. Clarey will oversee the development, strengthening and maintenance of key relationships with industry partners, state agencies and program stakeholders. He will also be instrumental in managing revenue-generating programs, advancing annual marketing initiatives and managing partnerships with organizations.

IHEA-USA Executive Director Alex Baer stated, “[Clarey’s] leadership will be pivotal as we continue to expand our support of hunter education teams and create opportunities for the industry to partner with conservation efforts across the country.”

Clarey joins IHEA-USA following a 25-year tenure with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) where he most recently served as assistant chief and R3 coordinator.

J. Shin

Safari Club International Taps Mar/Comm Director

Safari Club International (SCI) welcomed James Shin as its director of marketing and communications.

“SCI is thrilled to welcome James Shin to our team,” said SCI EVP of International Government and Public Affairs Ben Cassidy. “He is joining SCI at an exciting time and his experience and reputation will ensure we continue to be First for Hunters.”

Shin joins SCI from Scitor Veritas, where he served as principal consultant. His extensive experience in strategic B2B marketing includes leadership roles at organizations such as Essilor of America, Aegon and Verizon.

Shin earned a bachelor’s degree in international finance from The George Washington University.

C. Vlasek

Lancer Systems Welcomes Sales Manager

Lancer Systems announced the return of Charles “Chuck” Vlasek as the L.E./military sales manager. In his position, Vlasek will drive business growth by focusing on law enforcement and military partnerships.

Vlasek has worked for Lancer Systems, SureFire, B.E. Meyers and XGO to grow each company’s sales and market presence. 

Colt CZ Group SE Announces Management Changes

Colt CZ Group SE announced changes to the company’s management structure. The roles of group CEO and chairman of the board of directors are now separate.

Jan Drahota will continue to serve as chairman of the board of directors of Colt CZ and focus on strategic development, identifying growth opportunities for the group and achieving the company’s long-term goals and visions.

Radek Musil, the current CEO of Sellier & Bellot, is now serving as CEO of Colt CZ. He will oversee the executive management of the group, drive the implementation of the business plan and focus on production and sales development.

Radek Musil joined Sellier & Bellot as CEO and chairman of the board in 1999. Previously, he worked for the Czech company TON. He is a graduate of the Faculty of Nuclear and Physical Engineering at the Czech Technical University in Prague and the Thunderbird School of Global Management in Phoenix. 

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