Newsmakers:
September 2021

Umarex USA TAPS PRESIDENT/CEO

Umarex USA Inc. announced the board of directors’ appointment of Richard Turner as the company’s president and CEO. Turner’s appointment is part of a long-term strategic transition plan that names outgoing CEO Adam Blalock as chairman of the board for Umarex.

“Richard has been instrumental in the rapid and sustained growth of Umarex USA,” said Blalock. “[He] understands our market space and is strong strategically. He has genuine gratitude for the contributions of others and his leadership style includes having fun.”

Turner was named Umarex USA’s president in 2017, having served as VP of sales and marketing since 2006. He also held management roles with PRADCO Outdoor Brands and Russell Outdoors/Mossy Oak Apparel.

He earned a degree in marketing from Birmingham Southern College, an MBA from University of Alabama-Birmingham and serves on the Airgun Sporting Association’s board of directors.

Primary Arms Names Optics VP/GM

Primary Arms welcomed Donald Riley to its executive leadership team as VP and GM of Primary Arms Optics. Riley’s leadership will support the business and develop its operational structure to support an ever-increasing demand for quality and innovation.

“We are thrilled to have Donald onboard to leverage and enhance our in-house capabilities, current and future, to create new product offerings and increase our overall portfolio of products to the markets we serve,” said Primary Arms’ CEO Marshall Lerner.

Riley brings more than 21 years of extensive knowledge in manufacturing, defense, engineering and commercial markets to the position. His broad range of experience includes operations restructures, electronics manufacturing, Lean/Six Sigma implementation and new product development.

HIVIZ Shooting Systems Hires Director

HIVIZ Shooting Systems welcomed Tracy Barnes as the new director of commercial sales.

Joey Turbeville, HIVIZ CEO shared, “We are confident [Barnes] will not only continue to improve our place in the market through sales, but she is an excellent candidate to support the overall mission of HIVIZ today and in the future.”

Barnes brings a strong background in sales, marketing and finance from more than 20 years of shooting experience in biathlon and multi-gun competition. She earned a degree in business and marketing from Columbia Southern University and is a two-time Olympian.

Zanders Sporting Goods Promotes Manager

Zanders Sporting Goods announced the promotion of Michael Sutton to procurement manager where his main responsibilities are to analyze industry trends and market demand while monitoring inventory levels through improved supply-chain management, further refining existing purchasing procedures and policies.

“Michael is a family member with extensive knowledge and experience in supply-chain management on a global scale. He will bring us a better understanding of our suppliers’ businesses and capabilities while meeting the needs of our customer base in this ever-changing and increasingly competitive marketplace,” said Stefanie Zanders, Zanders’ president and COO.

Prior to his promotion, Sutton served as a buyer for the company for 23 years.

Davidson’s Inc. Names Sales Manager

Davidson’s welcomed Katie Martin as the company’s East Coast sales manager. She will be responsible for the management of account executives located in Davidson’s sales offices and call centers in North Carolina, Pennsylvania and South Carolina.

“Katie is a fantastic addition to our organization,” said Mike Massimo, VP of sales for Davidson’s. “She brings a passion for coaching sales teams along with her extensive experience. We are looking forward to seeing her grow our East Coast teams.”

Martin brings 10-plus years of management experience overseeing district managers, store managers and front-line employees for a major telecommunications company.

Hoyt Archery Advances President

Hoyt Archery announced Zak Kurtzhals was named the new company president following his success as VP of operations. Kurtzhals succeeds Randy Walk, who recently retired after serving as Hoyt’s president for 26 years.

“Zak is a very talented leader who has contributed greatly to Hoyt’s success over the years. He will do an amazing job as president and I couldn’t ask for a better successor,” commented Walk.

Kurtzhals is an accomplished target archer and bowhunter who joined the Hoyt team as a product engineer in 2003. He held several key leadership positions with the company, including engineering manager, director of engineering and VP of engineering. He has also served on the Archery Trade Association’s technical committee since 2014.

Henry Repeating Arms Taps President

Henry Repeating Arms appointed Andy Wickstrom the company’s new president. Anthony Imperato, company president since 1997, now holds the title of founder and CEO. Wickstrom will provide leadership directing the future of Henry Repeating Arms while preserving the company’s core values, relationships with employees, vendors, distributors, dealers and the company’s obsessive focus on the customer.

“Mr. Wickstrom has been our de facto president for the past few years. His official appointment is long overdue,” said Imperato. “He has worked hard these past 15 years and earned this position. He has the talent, the energy, my trust and respect.”

Employed by Henry Repeating Arms since 2006, Wickstrom started as the general manager of the company’s Rice Lake, Wis., manufacturing facility. During his 15-year tenure, he facilitated the growth of operations, company-wide improvements and new product development while implementing lean manufacturing practices and cost-saving methods.

Wickstrom earned a B.S. in manufacturing engineering from the University of Wisconsin – Stout.

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