Vista Outdoor names new CEO

Vista Outdoor announced last week its board of directors tapped a new CEO to lead the company after a three month search.

Christopher T. Metz, former president of Arctic Cat — a Minnesota-based snowmobile and all-terrain vehicle manufacturer — will step into former CEO Mark DeYoung’s role as of Monday.

“Chris is highly strategic, operationally savvy, and has experience improving the performance of leading organizations,” said Michael Callahan, Vista’s interim CEO. “He is a motivational leader with broad experience in sales, marketing and operations. His capabilities will benefit Vista Outdoor as we continue our focus on building our brands, expanding our e-commerce presence, reducing inventory, and driving continuous improvement.”

“I am thrilled to join the Vista Outdoor team,” Metz said. “The company is a leader in outdoor sports and recreation products, with a unique and well-positioned portfolio of brands. I look forward to working with the talented employees as we leverage Vista Outdoor’s capabilities to deliver innovative products, build upon strategic partnerships, improve performance, and drive shareholder value.”

DeYoung stepped down from his leading role in July, seeking an early retirement and a chance “to move on to the next phase of his life.”

“Vista Outdoor is the culmination of a vision focused on creating a world-leading outdoor recreation company,” he said in July of his departure. “It has been a rewarding experience to have led this great company and seen the organization evolve and succeed. I am proud of Vista Outdoor’s people, brands, portfolio and products, and I am confident in Vista Outdoor’s future. I wish the Company’s valued employees and customers all the best.”

Vista recorded $14 million in profit for the quarter, nosediving 54 percent over last year. The company’s $279 million in shooting sports sales comes in 19 percent behind last year — a result of “lower demand across all product lines,” said Chief Financial Officer Stephen Nolan in August.

Vista owns more than three dozen firearms, ammunition and shooting accessory companies, including Savage Arms, Stevens, Federal Premium, Speer and American Eagle.

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