Promotions announced at Easton Sports
VAN NUYS, Calif. — Easton-Bell Sports, a designer, developer and marketer of innovative sports equipment and accessories under the Easton, Bell, Giro, Riddell and Blackburn brands, has announced the following key executive appointments and promotions at Easton Sports:
Mike Zlaket has been appointed president - Easton Sports, effective April 1. Zlaket began his career with Easton Sports in 1991 and was VP of the baseball/softball business prior to the 2006 merger which created Easton-Bell Sports. From 2006 to 2008 he served as the SVP product marketing for Riddell and then as EVP and general manager of Easton Sports until 2011.
Matt Arndt, currently SVP product creation (North America) has been promoted to EVP and general manager hockey, reporting to Zlaket. 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 VP baseball/softball and lacrosse sales, reporting to Mr. Zlaket. With his unique knowledge and understanding of Easton’s business and its partners, 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 SVP global hockey sales, reporting to Arndt. 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 CEO 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.”
Chris Zimmerman (president, Easton Sports), John Graham (SVP commerce), and Craig Ryan (VP global hockey sales), have all resigned from the company, effective immediately.