New Simms head pledges commitment to conservation issues

Simms Fishing Products has a new President following the retirement of CEO Casey Sheahan, who has fronted the Montana-based brand for more than five years.

The new President is Derek Tarlecki, who was previously Head of Strategy and Mergers and Acquisitions at Vista Outdoor, the company that acquired Simms for $192.5 million in August last year. Tarlecki has been serving as Chief Integration Officer at Simms since September and was integral in amalgamating the wader and apparel company into the 41-brand Vista Outdoor corporation. According to Vista, his successes during this time made him the best candidate.

“Filling this key position has been a priority since I assumed the interim CEO duties,” said Board member Gary McArthur, who stepped into the role after Chris Metz left the company in January due to a ‘loss of confidence’ in his leadership.

“Derek’s appointment bolsters our business unit leadership team at Simms, the anchor of our new fishing platform, and better positions us for the separation of Outdoor Products and Sporting Products into two companies, which remains on track for this year.”

Tarlecki helped identify and acquire some of the company’s most recent additions, including Foresight Sports, Stone Glacier, Fox Racing and Simms. Before joining Vista he spent 14 years advising and supporting businesses at global strategy consulting firm, Bain & Co.

“I’ve long loved Simms both personally and professionally,” said Tarlecki. “I’m excited to get out and work with our key partners – the 500-plus retailers that are the cornerstone of our brand.”

Tarlecki, a member of Trout Unlimited, Ducks Unlimited, Backcountry Hunters and Anglers and the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, also expressed his commitment to conservation issues.