Escalade CEO announces retirement plans
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The CEO of Evansville-based Escalade Inc. is planning to retire at the end of the year, the company announced Wednesday. Walter Glazer has led the sporting goods and recreational equipment manufacturer since late 2021.
Glazer has served on Escalade’s board of directors since 2015 and will continue to be a board member after his retirement, pending shareholder approval.
In a news release, Glazer called leading Escalade “an absolute privilege and honor.”
“Escalade is well positioned for the future while continuing to deliver for our loyal consumers, trade partners, and shareholders,” Glazer said. “Our mission is ‘Connecting family and friends, creating memorable moments and playing life to the fullest.’ My family has supported me while I’ve been away working with Escalade for the past few years. With Escalade in a strong position, it is time for me to reconnect with my own family and create memorable moments with them.”
The company said it has seen significant growth and successfully navigated the post-pandemic return to normalized demand during Glazer’s tenure as CEO.
Shortly after his appointment, Escalade acquired the well-known Brunswick Billiards. The company said Glazer also led the implementation of a decentralized, consumer-centric organizational structure that included a strategic optimization of assets, including the recently completed sale of the company’s facility in Rosarita, Mexico.
“Walt’s commitment and outstanding leadership have guided Escalade through a period of unprecedented growth and transformation,” Escalade Lead Independent Director Ned Williams said in the release. “His focus on developing future leaders and ensuring that Escalade consistently delivers value to consumers and trade partners has positioned the company for continued long-term success.”
Escalade’s stock was down 2.1% to $12.58 per share at Wednesday close.
The Escalade board of directors said it will lead a comprehensive search for Glazer’s successor that will consider both internal and external candidates.