Newsmakers - July 2025

CZ-USA Adds Senior Management

CZ-USA announced three new senior management leaders to complement the existing CZ-USA Team and better serve the U.S. market: Petr Pištělák will serve as president, Tom Taylor joined as chief marketing officer and John Dain was promoted to EVP of commercial sales.

As president, Pištělák will oversee all aspects of U.S. operations, sales and marketing. He joined the Colt-CZ Group in 2019 as global head of the commercial organization. Prior to Colt-CZ Group, he served in various roles at Proctor & Gamble, Czech Airlines and PFF Group.

Taylor is responsible for building the CZ brand in the U.S. as he leads marketing and product development. He will also support Colt marketing and further development of the CZ brand globally. He served 21 years in various roles throughout the firearm industry, with the past 10 years at SIG SAUER. Taylor also spent over 20 years at The Coca-Cola Company in various leadership roles.

Dain joined the Colt CZ Group one year ago and now oversees all aspects of U.S. sales. Before joining Colt CZ Group, he spent 12 years at SIG SAUER. Dain served in the U.S. Army and is a decorated combat veteran.

Sturm, Ruger & Co. Inc. Names VP, General Counsel & Corp. Secretary

Ruger announced the appointment of Sarah Colbert as the company’s VP, general counsel and corporate secretary. She will oversee Ruger’s legal strategy, corporate governance and compliance while continuing to serve on the executive leadership team.

Ruger President and CEO Todd Seyfert said, “Her combination of legal expertise, strategic thinking and operational leadership uniquely positions her to serve in this expanded role.”

Prior to this appointment, Colbert served as the VP of administration. She joined Ruger in 2011 as associate general counsel. She practiced law at Day Pitney LLP and Ryan Ryan Deluca LLP. She also served on the Connecticut Supreme Court Chief Justice’s Civil Commission on Alternative Dispute Resolution and the Electronic Discovery Committee.

Colbert graduated from the University of Connecticut School of Law, Suffolk University and Wharton’s General Management Program.

MKS Supply Exec. To Retire

After a 28-year career with MKS Supply, Kelly Walton retired on June 30, 2025. Walton served with distinction in multiple roles, including sales manager, EVP of sales, company executive VP and as a valued member of the board of directors.

A statement released by MKS Supply noted, “Kelly’s leadership and dedication have been instrumental in driving MKS Supply’s growth and establishing our reputation in the industry. His commitment to excellence and ability to inspire those around him have left an indelible mark on our company and our industry.”

Women For Gun Rights Names Comm. Director

Alexis Wilkins joined forces with Women for Gun Rights as the director of strategic communications. Wilkins will advise the group’s messaging and advocacy efforts, helping shape public conversation around the right to self-defense and the cultural significance of the Second Amendment.

“Alexis has a powerful voice and a real understanding of what’s at stake,” said Dianna Muller, founder and president of Women for Gun Rights. “We’re excited to have her help push this message even further.”

As a country music artist, political commentator and writer, Wilkins consistently uses her platform to tell the truth about American freedom, media manipulation and Constitutional rights — particularly through storytelling and public engagement.

ASP Inc. Appoints Sales Director

ASP Inc. welcomed Shea Russell as the new director of sales for the mid-south U.S. region. Russell will be responsible for law enforcement agency and distributor relationships in New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana. His territory also includes Mexico and Latin America.

ASP VP of Sales Daryell Harmon said, “Shea has an exceptional background on both the military and civilian side and comes to us with the customer-facing experience and leadership skills that we value.”

Russell has more than 30 years of leadership experience, having served in the Department of Defense as well as multinational corporations. After retiring from the Marine Corps as an infantry lieutenant colonel, he worked in various sales executive roles with government contractors and other private sector companies.

Sports South Promotes & Hires VPs

Sports South announced Caleb Sutton’s promotion to VP of merchandising, and also welcomed Brian Billiet as the VP of technology. 

Tripper Dickson, Sports South president and CEO, shared, “[Sutton’s] grasp of our market and his inventory management capabilities have set him up well for this position.”

Sutton has played a principal role in inventory management and merchandising for the company for nearly six years. Prior to Sports South, he held positions at Cabela’s and Worldwide Trophy Adventures.

“The application of technology is in our DNA at Sports South. It is a differentiator and a key driver of our business,” said Dickson. “I am thrilled to have Brian join our leadership ranks and take the reins of this critical facet of our business.”

Billiet previously spent 14 years at Topgolf, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s technology strategy and IT operations.

Streamlight Inc. Appoints Sales Manager

Streamlight Inc. appointed Austin Hazek to the position of regional sales manager for the Industrial/Fire division, focused on the Great Lakes/Eastern Canada region. As the regional sales manager, Hazek will work directly with distributors and manufacturers to drive sales and increase the market share of specialty lighting products.

Allen Lance, Streamlight VP of sales, shared, “[Hazek’s] proven history in account management alongside his sales skills are certain to be an asset to Streamlight in the Great Lakes and Eastern Canada territory.”

Hazek most recently served as the territory manager for Unilock.

He earned a B.S. in criminology from Eastern Michigan University.

John Rigby & Co. Announces Promotions

London gunmaker John Rigby & Co. announced two key promotions within its team: Steven “Monty” Monteith was promoted to director of operations, and Maria Gil stepped into the role of sales director.

Marc Newton, managing director of John Rigby & Co., said, “Both Monty and Maria have demonstrated exceptional dedication and leadership, and I am incredibly proud to recognize their hard work with these well-earned promotions.”

In his new role, Monteith will support the managing director in overseeing the safe and efficient management of the company, ensuring Rigby upholds its traditions while embracing opportunities for growth and innovation.

He joined Rigby in July 2023 as the head of compliance, bringing operational experience from his distinguished military career. 

As sales director, Gil will lead Rigby’s sales strategy, working closely with clients and partners to continue the company’s success.

She joined Rigby’s sales team in 2016, and most recently served as sales manager.

iRayUSA Names Marketing Dir.

As iRayUSA’s new director of marketing, Henry Burge is leading marketing strategy, campaign development and digital growth initiatives across dealer and direct-to-consumer channels. He also oversees brand positioning and creative direction for all product lines.

“My goal is to help scale iRayUSA’s presence in the outdoor, tactical and thermal-imaging markets,” Burge shared.

His experience in brand development and marketing strategy stems from various roles within the firearms and hunting industries.

Arcus Hunting Hires National Sales Manager

In his new role as Arcus Hunting’s national sales manager for the Midwest and Western U.S. regions, Jim Heeren will be driving sales strategy, and strengthening relationships with key accounts, distributors and independent retailers. He will also work closely with the product development teams to bring innovative hunting solutions to market.

Most recently, Heeren played a key role in launching a gun-safe division for Dansons. 

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