Newsmakers
October 2023
E. Nyman
Vista Outdoor Selects Outdoor Segments CEO
Vista Outdoor has named Eric Nyman its new Outdoor Products Segment CEO to lead the company following a planned separation later this year.
As part of the change, Nyman and Sporting Products CEO Jason Vanderbrink will be elevated to the Vista Outdoor board of directors. Gary McArthur, interim CEO of Vista Outdoor, will retain this title until the split and will then become chairman of the board of the new Outdoor Products Company.
Michael Callahan, chairman of the Vista Outdoor board of directors, said, “[Nyman’s] unique background and skill set, combined with our company’s unmatched portfolio of iconic brands, resilient operating model and strong balance sheet, positions Outdoor Products to deliver compelling value for our shareholders.”
Nyman has more than 30 years in the consumer products industry and joins Vista Outdoor from Hasbro Inc., where he most recently served as president and COO.
Iron Valley Supply Grows Team
Iron Valley Supply announced the additions of Cary Wells as senior merchandiser/business analyst and Jacob Ring as merchandiser.
Wells has 23 years of experience in the sporting goods industry from roles at United Sports Companies and Dunkin Lewis Agency. He joined Iron Valley Supply as a merchandiser in 2022.
Wells is also a retired veteran of the USMC.
Ring served in the U.S. Army before working for Ellett Brothers and Davidson’s Inc.
W. Smalley
RISE Armament Names Firearms Director
William “Smalls” Smalley was recently named the director of RISE Armament’s firearms division.
“We’re excited to welcome Smalls to the team. His firearms expertise, business skill set and alignment with our values and mission will no doubt help RISE continue its accelerated growth,” stated Matt Torres, CEO of RISE Armament.
Smalley brings extensive experience to the role from working with such companies as Remington, AAC, Bushmaster, PARA and Franklin Armory.
Christensen Arms Strengthens Executive Team
Christensen Arms announced three strategic additions to its executive team: Randy Stumph as general manager, Michael Halleron as EVP of sales and Willie Vernon as EVP of marketing.
Christensen Arms Chairman Vic Keller stated, “These hires demonstrate our commitment to growth and excellence. We believe in moving forward and shaping the future of not only our company, but of the industry. We’re excited about the journey ahead.”
Stumph brings 20+ years of manufacturing industry experience from roles with manufacturing companies such as US Synthetic, Blendtec and Little Giant Ladder Systems.
With over 25 years of experience, Halleron has held executive roles at organizations like Fiocchi of America, Adams Arms and Federal Ammunition.
Vernon has led marketing teams at companies such as SilencerCo, Vista Outdoor and BOTE Paddle Boards.
B. Peters
Fiocchi Announces Sales Director
Fiocchi welcomed Ben Peters as its new director of sales where he is tasked with managing over 20 territory reps and several rep groups.
Chris Tinkle, Fiocchi VP of sales, said, “With Fiocchi’s ongoing expansions in both product lines and manufacturing capacities, [Peters’] experience and proven capabilities will be significant assets for us immediately and moving forward.”
Peters has nearly a decade of experience in sales, business development and marketing positions in the outdoor segment, including seven years with Remington Outdoor Company and, most recently, Primary Weapons Systems and Lone Wolf Arms.
C. Osborn.
Walther Arms Names Director
Walther Arms announced the return of Cody Osborn as the director of communications and channel marketing. He is responsible for developing and executing comprehensive marketing strategies, optimizing communication channels and strengthening partnerships with distributors, dealers and industry influencers.
“We are beyond excited to welcome Cody back to the Walther Arms family,” said Rob McCanna, president and CEO of Walther Arms Inc. “His knowledge of the industry, coupled with strong leadership skills and the ability to connect with our partners, will undoubtedly bolster our marketing initiatives and reinforce our duty to excellence in communication and customer engagement.”
In his previous tenure at Walther Arms, Osborn played a pivotal role in enhancing the company’s brand presence and developing successful marketing campaigns that resonated with the shooting community.
E. Dinger
M. Estrada
J. Hodgdon
Pass It On — Outdoor Mentors Welcomes Board Members
Pass It On — Outdoor Mentors announced a new board chair, Eric Dinger, and the addition of two new board members, Mark Estrada and Joel Hodgdon.
Dinger, a consultant who works with businesses and NGOs in the conservation space, most recently served as the president of Arbor Day Carbon.
“Eric has been a great advocate and leader on our board of directors for many years. We are looking forward to how he leads our program moving forward,” said Brittany French CEO of Pass It On — Outdoor Mentors.
Estrada is the brand and marketing director for VEIL Camo and PROIS. He has 20 years of experience in the outdoor industry from roles at Under Armour and Cabela’s.
Outgoing Pass It On Board Chair Ryan Bronson shared, “As Pass It On grows and brings more youth into hunting, we need to build a sustainable business plan with it and Mark Estrada will be a valuable advisor.”
Hodgdon is currently the marketing director for Remington Ammunition and has additional experience from roles at Federal Ammunition, the Congressional Sportsman’s Foundation and his family’s business, Hodgdon Powder Company.
Bronson stated, “Joel is a seasoned industry marketer with a passion for hunting and the shooting sports, and adds an important perspective for our governing board.”
