Taggart to retire as Swiss Army head

IBACH, Switzerland Victorinox AG president and founding family member, Charles Elsener, announced that Rick Taggart, president of Victorinox Swiss Army, will retire from the company in August. Taggart plans to return to his home in Grand Junction, Colo. to spend more time with his family and hopes to resume his role in the classroom as a professor of marketing, the company reported. Recruitment efforts to replace Taggart are underway.

“The relationship my family has with Rick extends beyond just business,” said Elsener. “As a family-owned company, we view our employees as members of our family. Rick’s compassion for his co-workers, unyielding dedication to the brand and its success, and fair leadership style are completely in line with the culture we maintain within our Swiss operation. We will look for Rick’s replacement to exhibit these same qualities of integrity, as well as a strong sales and marketing background.”

Taggart formerly served as president and CEO of VSAI from 1995 through 2001. After 2001, he managed various entrepreneurial ventures and taught at Mesa State College in Grand Junction as a professor of marketing. He returned to VSAI in 2007 as interim president with the singular purpose of creating stability within the organization and to position it for further growth and long term prosperity.

“It is with mixed emotions that I announce my retirement,” stated Taggart. “Those who know me understand that this brand holds a special place in my heart and I am always proud to say I’ve contributed to its success. However, I can confidently leave the brand in the capable hands of the current team as I return to my family and my home.”