(GunReports.com) — Ron Coburn’s recent retirement after 25 years as chairman and CEO of Savage Sports Corporation has led to the appointment of another Ron to succeed him. On Feb. 6, Savage Sports Corporation named Ron Johnson as its new CEO.
Most recently, Johnson served as president of the Sporting Group within Alliant Techsystems (ATK). In addition, Johnson worked for several other groups of brands within ATK over the years, including as president of ammunition and accessories; general Manager of hunting accessories, and VP finance of commercial ammunition and accessories.
Coburn took the helm of Savage in 1988 shortly after the company filed for bankruptcy protection and helped lead Savage’s subsequent rise to market leadership within the sporting goods industry.
“Everybody wants to go out on top,” Coburn said. “We’ve had many years of strong, sustained growth, and it seems like every year has been a new record year for Savage. The business has never been better positioned for the future. I’m turning 65 this year; the time is right for a transition.”
Coburn’s retirement has been in process for several years, as he has slowly delegated the day-to-day leadership to the company’s management team.
“Some people say that Ron Coburn rebuilt Savage Arms. That’s not true. I helped build a team, and together we rebuilt Savage Arms,” Coburn said. “The management team is still in place, and Savage is in very good shape with a very, very bright future.”
Coburn also shared that his confidence in the future of Savage is evidenced by the substantial personal financial stake he plans to keep in the company. “I may be moving out, but my money is staying. I can’t think of a better place to invest right now.”
Johnson said, “I am thrilled for the opportunity to join the Savage team. The company is a stellar brand within its market and is well-positioned for continued momentum and growth as a leader within the shooting sports industry.”
In addition to joining the Savage Board of Directors, Johnson has also served as a board member for the National Shooting Sports Foundation, the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturing Institute, and the Wildlife Management Institute.
Savage is headquartered in Westfield, Massachusetts, and has more than 600 employees. Manufacturing facilities are located in Westfield; Lakefield, Ontario; and Eugene, Oregon.
More information about Savage firearms can be found on www.SavageArms.com; for range systems, www.SavageRangeSystems.com; and for archery, www.BowTechArchery.com.
