Clarus Appoints Greg Heichelbech as General Manager of Rhino Rack USA

Rhea-AI Summary

Clarus Corporation has appointed Greg Heichelbech as the General Manager of Rhino Rack USA, aiming to enhance growth in North America. With over 30 years of experience in the automotive aftermarket and powersports sectors, Heichelbech previously led the Accessory Group at Motorsports Aftermarket Group, increasing direct-to-consumer sales and product innovation.

Clarus President John Walbrecht emphasized the significant opportunities for Rhino Rack, supported by Heichelbech's expertise, to execute the company's 'Innovate and Accelerate' strategy.

Positive

• Appointment of Greg Heichelbech as General Manager expected to strengthen growth initiatives.
• Heichelbech's extensive experience in automotive aftermarket and powersports is an asset.
• Potential for increased market presence of Rhino Rack and MAXTRAX brands in North America.

Negative

• Transition period may lead to temporary disruption in leadership continuity.

30 Year Industry Veteran to Oversee Rhino Rack’s Growth Initiatives

SALT LAKE CITY, Jan. 18, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rhino Rack, a premier overlanding company that manufactures and distributes highly-engineered automotive roof racks, trays, mounting systems, luggage boxes, carriers, and accessories, and a brand of Clarus Corporation (NASDAQ: CLAR) (“Clarus” and/or the “Company”), has appointed Greg Heichelbech to the new role of General Manager of Rhino Rack USA.

Heichelbech has over 30 years leadership, operations, and sales and marketing experience working in the branded aftermarket, powersports and outdoor markets. He will be responsible for expanding the presence of Clarus’ Rhino Rack^® and MAXTRAX^® brands in North America. He joins Rhino Rack from Motorsports Aftermarket Group (“MAG”), the largest North American manufacturer, distributor, and retailer of branded aftermarket products for the powersports industry.

Clarus President John Walbrecht, commented on the appointment, “We believe there is a massive opportunity to build upon Rhino Rack’s sizeable following in its existing core markets and capitalize on compelling growth opportunities, especially in the United States and across North America. Greg’s experience in the automotive aftermarket and powersports industries and his leadership in creating new sales channels, working with global suppliers, and inspiring product innovation makes him the perfect fit for the new GM role. We look forward to working with Greg, as he positions the Rhino Rack and MAXTRAX brands for accelerated growth.”

At MAG, Heichelbech served on its board of directors and held the position of president and CEO of MAG’s Accessory Group from 2018 to 2021. While in these roles, he increased the Accessory Group’s direct-to-consumer sales, built out the Amazon and Walmart businesses, ramped up product development and SKU diversification within the Kuryakyn and Mustang Motorcycle Products brands, and made key hires. Prior to MAG, Heichelbech served in senior leadership roles at REV Group (NYSE: REVG), BRP US and Triumph Motorcycles North America. He started his career at Harley-Davidson, where he worked for 20 years in various sales, dealer relations and market development positions.

Heichelbech, commented, “Rhino Rack is an iconic brand among automotive aftermarket professionals and outdoor enthusiasts known for having the best engineered solutions for overlanding experiences. I’m excited to join as the GM of Rhino Rack USA and am focused on executing on Clarus’ ‘Innovate and Accelerate’ strategy to seek to expand Rhino Rack’s and MAXTRAX’s reach across North America.”

Heichelbech received his BBA from University of Wisconsin – Whitewater and his MBA from Loyola University Chicago.

About Clarus Corporation
Headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, Clarus Corporation is a global leading designer, developer, manufacturer and distributor of best-in-class outdoor equipment and lifestyle products focused on the outdoor and consumer enthusiast markets. Our mission is to identify, acquire and grow outdoor “super fan” brands through our unique “innovate and accelerate” strategy. We define a “super fan” brand as a brand that creates the world’s pre-eminent, performance-defining product that the best-in-class user cannot live without. Each of our brands has a long history of continuous product innovation for core and everyday users alike. The Company’s products are principally sold globally under the Black Diamond^®, Rhino-Rack^®, MAXTRAX^®, Sierra^®, and Barnes^® brand names through outdoor specialty and online retailers, our own websites, distributors and original equipment manufacturers. Our portfolio of iconic brands is well-positioned for sustainable, long-term growth underpinned by powerful industry trends across the outdoor and adventure sport end markets. For additional information, please visit www.claruscorp.com or the brand websites at www.blackdiamondequipment.com, www.rhinorack.com, www.maxtrax.com.au, www.sierrabullets.com, www.barnesbullets.com, www.pieps.com, or www.goclimbon.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
Please note that in this press release we may use words such as “appears,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “plans,” “expects,” “intends,” “future,” and similar expressions which constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are made based on our expectations and beliefs concerning future events impacting the Company and therefore involve a number of risks and uncertainties. We caution that forward-looking statements are not guarantees and that actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Potential risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results of operations or financial condition of the Company to differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements in this release, include, but are not limited to, those risks and uncertainties more fully described from time to time in the Company's public reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including under the section titled “Risk Factors” in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, and/or Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, as well as in the Company’s Current Reports on Form 8-K. All forward-looking statements included in this press release are based upon information available to the Company as of the date of this press release and speak only as of the date hereof. We assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release.

Company Contacts:
John C. Walbrecht
President
Tel 1‐801‐993‐1344
john.walbrecht@claruscorp.com

Aaron J. Kuehne
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
Tel 1‐801‐993‐1364
Aaron.kuehne@claruscorp.com

Michael J. Yates
Chief Financial Officer
Tel 1‐801-993‐1304
mike.yates@claruscorp.com

Investor Relations Contact:
Gateway Investor Relations
Cody Slach
Tel 1‐949‐574‐3860
CLAR@gatewayir.com

FAQ

What is the significance of Greg Heichelbech's appointment at CLAR?

Greg Heichelbech's appointment is significant as he brings over 30 years of industry experience, expected to help drive growth for Rhino Rack in North America.

How will Greg Heichelbech impact Rhino Rack's business?

Heichelbech is expected to leverage his experience to expand Rhino Rack's market presence and execute Clarus' growth strategies effectively.

What are the growth plans for Rhino Rack under CLAR?

The growth plans for Rhino Rack include enhancing brand visibility and sales channels across North America as part of Clarus' 'Innovate and Accelerate' strategy.

What challenges might arise from the management change at CLAR?

Challenges may include potential disruptions in leadership continuity during the transition to a new management structure.