Newsmakers - July 2024

SIG SAUER Shifts Marketing Org

SIG SAUER announced Robby Johnson, SVP, Commercial & Defense Product Management, is now also serving as chief marketing officer as well as SVP, SIG SAUER Academy, where he manages the SIG SAUER Academy and SIG Experience Center.

“Robby brings a tremendous breadth of experience to the ever-evolving and growing SIG brand,” said Ron Cohen, SIG SAUER president and CEO.  “His 21 years of military service and experience in the industry at Remington, as well as various roles at SIG SAUER, puts him in a great position to make a smooth transition into his role leading SIG SAUER marketing.”

Tom Taylor, formerly the chief marketing officer and EVP, Commercial Sales, is now serving as EVP, Global Brand Development. He has over two decades of industry-related sales and marketing experience from roles at SIG, Smith & Wesson and Mossberg.

Additionally, Jack Barnes, SVP, Commercial Sales will now report directly to Cohen.

Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Names Mar/Comm VP

Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) announced the recent addition of Nadia Marji as the VP of marketing and communications. Marji will be responsible for the development of a comprehensive communications strategy and complementary focus on compelling messaging and branding. 

BHA President and CEO Patrick Berry stated, “Nadia brings the knowledge, skills and personal experience to effectively share our compelling stories and showcase BHA’s distinctive mission and effective advocacy.” 

Marji brings more than 10 years of experience in the natural resources field to the position. She recently served as chief of public affairs and engagement officer at the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, and the executive editor of Kansas Wildlife and Parks Magazine.

She earned a B.S. in communications from Pittsburg State University.

Wiley X Expands Sales Team

In unison with its recent brand refresh, Wiley X welcomed Aaron Quigley as its SVP of sales. Quigley is leading the company’s efforts to enhance support for its retail partners and develop a more impactful brand presentation across sales channels. As part of this initiative, Wiley X has expanded the teams of both its Outdoor and Optical Divisions with the addition of over 100 industry professionals and agency representatives across the U.S.

Quigley joins the company with over 20 years of experience as a sales executive for companies such as Oakley, Stüssy and VonZipper.

Carl Stout, now the director of outdoor sales for Wiley X, joined the Outdoor Division in 2023 after holding senior sales positions with Sellmark and Meprolight. Stout and his team have strategically expanded the brand’s dealer network while boosting alignment with new and existing retail partners.

The Optical Division welcomed Alana Clarke as the regional sales manager where she is spearheading efforts to supercharge business with independent and large-scale eyecare professionals. Clarke joined the brand after serving in roles at Luxottica and Safilo.

ZeroTech Grows Team

ZeroTech announced the additions of Chris “Woody” Woodrow as the digital marketing manager, and James Head as head of international sales.

Woodrow is responsible for developing and executing digital marketing strategies that promote the company’s mission to deliver exceptional quality and innovative optical solutions. He will also oversee the digital promotion of new product launches and enhance customer interaction through various digital platforms.

“When someone as achieved as Woody joins your team, it really showcases the growth and commitment that ZeroTech has had within the market,” said Nathan Dudney, president of ZeroTech USA.

Head is responsible for overseeing the global sales strategy, fostering key relationships and leading international sales initiatives.

Chris Watkins, CEO of ZeroTech, commented, “[Head’s] extensive expertise and proven ability to enhance sales and development are crucial as we continue to innovate and extend our reach on a global scale.”

Both Woodrow and Head join ZeroTech following key roles at Lightforce Group.

SLG2 Inc. President Joins Advisory Board

SLG2 Inc. President Karen Butler was chosen to join the advisory board for CB&S Bank in Huntsville, Ala. She will play a vital part in promoting the CB&S Bank brand within the community and providing valuable business insights.

CB&S Bank Regional President and EVP, Taron Thorpe, has been a supporter of SLG2 Inc. since 2010, and CB&S Bank has consistently demonstrated its commitment to small businesses in the communities in which they serve.

Butler shared, “CB&S Bank has always been extremely friendly to our industry. CB&S Bank truly understands and supports the needs of small businesses such as SLG2 Inc., and they are a perfect financial partner for us.”

Pnuma Outdoors/Heated Core Name Brand Manager

Pnuma Outdoors and Heated Core welcomed Amber Liljestrand to serve as the brand manager to drive the brand strategy and growth. 

Liljestrand’s experience stems from her tenure at Bass Pro Shops, where she served as assistant merchant for hunting and tactical apparel, overseeing design, development and promotion of proprietary brands while collaborating with major national brands. 

FMG Publications Mourns Longtime Writer

Longtime GUNS Magazine and American Handgunner contributing editor Mike “Duke” Venturino passed away on June 9, 2024, at his Montana home after a short illness.

Venturino wrote for Handgunner and GUNS for many years, along with other publications. He also authored several books about shooting.

A native of West Virginia, he earned a journalism degree from Marshall University.

“There is no way to fill the void Mike leaves our magazines or the shooting world in general,” shared GUNS Editor Brent Wheat. 

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