Hammer News

02/08/2010

BILL SCHEID TO RETIRE FROM EBONITE INTERNATIONAL; RANDY SCHICKERT NAMED AS NEW CEO

BILL SCHEID TO RETIRE FROM EBONITE INTERNATIONAL; RANDY SCHICKERT NAMED AS NEW CEO

HOPKINSVILLE, KY – Bill Scheid, bowling industry veteran and leader, will retire as of April 2010 after nearly 19 years as president of Ebonite International, announced Steven Tuttleman, Chairman of the Board.  Randy Schickert, formerly an executive with Regal Ware Worldwide, Huffy Sports Company, and DESA Indoor/Outdoor Products has been named Chief Executive Officer.

“Under Bill’s leadership, Ebonite has flourished and maintained a dominant position in a highly competitive marketplace,” said Tuttleman.  “We appreciate his innumerable contributions to the company and the industry, and are pleased that he will remain involved as a Director of the company.

“We feel strongly that Ebonite is well positioned for the future,” he added.  “Throughout our search for Bill’s successor, we looked for an executive who could build on our past successes, and had a broad range of experiences that encompassed product development, manufacturing, marketing and domestic and international sales.  Randy really is a perfect fit.”

In prior positions as President of Huffy Sports, a leader in sporting goods and equipment, and President of DESA, a consumer heating products company, Schickert focused his management efforts on customer-centric initiatives and targeted marketing strategies.  In addition, he has successfully implemented lean manufacturing and Kaizen continuous improvement principles throughout multiple organizations.

At Regal Ware, a manufacturer and marketer of high-end stainless steel cookware, Schickert focused on improving new product development capabilities.  He was also instrumental in driving growth through retail channels as well as significantly improving earnings.

“I am extremely excited to be a part of Ebonite and the bowling industry,” said Schickert.  “Ebonite is truly the home of the ‘best brands in bowling’ and I’m looking forward to rolling up my sleeves and working with the outstanding management team and organization that Bill has built.”

During Scheid’s tenure, Ebonite has grown to become the largest consumer products company in bowling.  Its brands include Ebonite, Hammer, Robby’s, Columbia 300, Track and Powerhouse™.  The company also manages its capital equipment business through Ebonite VanTech and Ebonite Bowling Center Direct.

Scheid, President of Ebonite since 1991, has been influential throughout the bowling community.  He was a long-time board member for the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame, including serving as President and Chairman.

“I have enjoyed being a part of such a fine organization,” said Scheid.  “I will miss the day-to-day challenges of management, and working with a tremendous group of people, both here at Ebonite and within the industry.  I look forward to working closely with Randy to ensure a smooth transition.”

For more information on Ebonite International, visit www.ebonite.com

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