Interim CEO appointed at Vista Outdoor as Metz steps down

Vista Outdoor, which last year acquired Simms Fishing Products to spearhead its presence in the fishing market, has parted company with CEO, Chris Metz, because of a ‘loss of confidence in his leadership’. He is replaced by Board member Gary McArthur in an interim capacity.

The company, parent to 41 brands, reports that Metz (pictured) resigned at the request of the Board for reasons not involving financial reporting or internal controls.

“Gary McArthur is a seasoned executive with extensive financial expertise and has played an integral role in driving the success of Vista Outdoor,” said Board Chairman Michael Callahan. “We expect him to hit the ground running.

“We remain on track to complete the separation of our Outdoor and Sporting Products segments this year and are confident that the separation will create two market-leading companies with enhanced strategic focus, additional resources, tailored capital priorities and expanded strategic opportunities.”

Metz, who will remain available to the company during the transition period, said: “It has been an honour to lead Vista for the last six years. I stand fully behind the planned separation of the Outdoor and Sporting Products segments into two strong, standalone businesses.”

Vista Outdoor acquired Simms Fishing Products for $192.5 million in August last year to anchor its new fishing platform in its Outdoor Products Division.