Baker steps down as Gander Mountain ceo

ST. PAUL, Minn. Gander Mountain announced that Mark Baker has stepped down as president, ceo and a board member, effective Sept. 8. Baker resigned from the company in order to become president and coo of The Scotts Miracle-Gro, a company for which he has served as a director since 2004.

David Pratt, Gander Mountain's chairman of the board, has been named ceo on an interim basis. Baker has agreed to remain as an employee of the company during a transition period ending on Sept. 30.

"Mark Baker came to Gander Mountain to grow the company into the nation's largest retail network of outdoor lifestyle stores. During Mark's tenure, Gander Mountain has grown to 115 stores in 23 states and re-entered the direct business with the acquisition of Overton's and the recent launch of our new e-commerce site and catalog. With Mark's help, we have also put in place strategic and cost-saving initiatives that offer opportunities for improved performance during the remainder of fiscal 2008 and beyond. We look forward to the company's future," said Pratt on behalf of the board.