Easton-Bell Announces Key Executive Appointments and Promotions at Easton Sports

Van Nuys, CA – March 15, 2013 – Easton-Bell Sports, Inc. – a leading designer, developer and marketer of innovative sports equipment and accessories under the Easton, Bell, Giro, Riddell and Blackburn brands – today announced the following key executive appointments and promotions at Easton Sports:

• Mike Zlaket has been appointed President - Easton Sports, effective April 1. Mr. Zlaket began his career with Easton Sports in 1991 and was Vice President of the baseball/softball business prior to the 2006 merger which created Easton-Bell Sports. From 2006 to 2008 he served as the Senior Vice President - Product Marketing for Riddell and then as Executive Vice President and General Manager of Easton Sports until 2011.
• Matt Arndt, currently Senior Vice President - Product Creation (North America) has been promoted to Executive Vice President and General Manager - Hockey, reporting to Mr. Zlaket.  Mr. Arndt is a 21-year Easton veteran who has managed product teams in North America that led to the introduction of a variety of industry leading products.
• Bob Diebold, currently Director of Strategic Accounts, has been promoted to Vice President - Baseball/Softball and Lacrosse Sales, reporting to Mr. Zlaket.  With his unique knowledge and understanding of Easton’s business and its partners, Mr. Diebold will be responsible for development and execution of the strategies to continue the growth of the baseball/softball and lacrosse businesses.  He has been with Easton since 2001 when he began his career as a Strategic Account Manager.  He has experience in developing, implementing and executing growth with Strategic Accounts and brings experience in specialty and team sales and service.
• Mark Kuryak has been appointed Senior Vice President - Global Hockey Sales, reporting to Mr. Arndt.  Mr. Kuryak will rejoin Easton Sports on April 1 after leading sales for OGIO International and then Rawlings Sporting Goods Company, Inc. during the past five years.  While at Easton, he held leadership positions in U.S. Hockey Sales for nearly 15 years.  He is highly regarded in the sporting goods industry for his strategic sales leadership and building long -term customer relationships.

“We have been working hard to identify the right senior leadership team and strategic business initiatives that will position our company for long-term growth and success,” said Terry Lee, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Easton-Bell.  “We are delighted to announce the appointments and promotions of proven leaders who have the passion for our products and necessary expertise to help the company achieve its full potential.”

Tim Mayhew, Easton-Bell’s President and Chief Operating Officer, said, “We are pleased with the initial progress we have made in creating a more entrepreneurial culture that is focused on innovation and customer service, and that will continue to be our priority going forward.  We welcome Mike and Mark back to Easton-Bell and congratulate Matt and Bob on their well-deserved promotions. We are confident that all of these individuals will contribute meaningfully to the future success of the company.”

Chris Zimmerman (President, Easton Sports), John Graham (Senior Vice President - Commerce), and Craig Ryan (Vice President - Global Hockey Sales), have all resigned from the company, effective immediately.

Mr. Lee concluded, “I would like to thank Chris, John and Craig for their dedication and many contributions to making Easton one of the most successful and recognizable brands in sports.  I wish them well in all of their future endeavors.”

About Easton-Bell Sports, Inc.

Easton-Bell Sports, Inc. is a leading designer, developer and marketer of branded sports equipment, protective products and related accessories. The company markets and licenses products under such well-known brands as Easton, Bell, Giro, Riddell and Blackburn. Its products incorporate leading technology and designs and are used by professional athletes and enthusiasts alike. Headquartered in Van Nuys, California, the company has 35 facilities worldwide. More information is available at www.eastonbellsports.com.