Cabela’s co-founder named chairman emeritus
SIDNEY, Neb. — Cabela's co-founder and chairman Richard N. Cabela will be named chairman emeritus June 5, during the company’s 2013 annual meeting of shareholders. His brother, James W. Cabela, who is vice chairman and co-founder, will be named chairman at that time.
“Dick Cabela is a legend at Cabela’s as well as throughout the entire outdoor industry,” said Tommy Millner, Cabela’s CEO. “From their kitchen table in Chappell, Nebraska, 52 years ago to pioneering direct catalog marketing and experiential retailing, Dick and his wife, Mary, revolutionized every aspect of outdoor product sales. Dick’s passion for the outdoors transformed Cabela’s from a small company in western Nebraska to a $3.1 billion globally recognized brand.”
“We are particularly pleased our long-term succession plans once again worked,” Millner added. “This has been a key focus over the past four years for our management team and board of directors at every level of leadership within the organization.”
“Dick’s enduring legacy continues, and I look forward to continuing to learn from Dick’s wise counsel and advice in his new role as chairman emeritus,” Millner said. “On behalf of Cabela’s employees, shareholders and customers, I would like to thank Dick and Mary Cabela for their passion for the outdoors and vision and business acumen, which led to the founding of this extraordinary company. Dick, Mary and Jim weren’t the first to offer outdoor goods through the mail, but nobody did it better or with a greater focus on customer service. This passion for delivering legendary customer service will forever be Cabela’s foundation.”
“As we look toward the future, we are very pleased to have our co-founder, Jim Cabela, become chairman,” Millner said. “Jim’s leadership has been a powerful force in building our company over the last five decades. Jim’s passion for the outdoors and his role as our new chairman will ensure we remain focused during this exciting growth period.”
Cabela's Incorporated is a leading specialty retailer and the world's largest direct marketer of hunting, fishing, camping and related outdoor merchandise. It was founded in 1961.