Black Diamond Appoints John Walbrecht as President of Black Diamond Equipment, Ltd.

September 27, 2016

Black Diamond Equipment, Ltd. a global innovator in climbing, skiing, mountain sports equipment and apparel, and a subsidiary of Black Diamond, Inc., has appointed John Walbrecht as President, effective October 3, 2016.

Walbrecht brings more than 30 years of executive leadership experience from several strong active outdoor brands.  Most recently he served as President and CEO of Mountain Hardwear, a manufacturer of high-tech active outdoor clothing, equipment and camping accessories and a subsidiary of Columbia Sportswear. Prior to his role with Mountain Hardwear, Walbrecht served as President and CEO of Fenix Outdoor, an international group of outdoor clothing and equipment brands. He has also served in senior leadership roles at Spyder Active Sports, Timberland, and Dr. Martens, among others.

Black Diamond Executive Chairman Warren B. Kanders commented:  “John is a seasoned industry veteran who brings a wealth of experience and leadership in the outdoor equipment and apparel space. Over the course of his 30-plus year career, he has provided the strategic vision to improve brand equity and drive growth for some of the industry’s most reputable and dynamic companies. Given his strong background, we look forward to leveraging his expertise and enthusiasm as we continue to grow Black Diamond Equipment.  I would like to thank Mark Ritchie, our outgoing President of Black Diamond Equipment for his dedication and years of service.  Mark will be assisting John in his transition and working with the team in additional ways in the future.”

Walbrecht holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Brigham Young University, a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing from the University of Maryland and understudies in International Trade and Finance at Cambridge University – Trinity College.

“It is truly an honor to be joining the Black Diamond team,” said Walbrecht. “Black Diamond is an amazing brand with a strong culture in both the outdoor and climbing communities and prides itself on delivering technical precision in everything it does.   Black Diamond has a very bright future and I am excited to be a part of it.”
About Black Diamond Equipment, Ltd.

Black Diamond Equipment, Ltd. is a global leader in designing, manufacturing and marketing innovative active outdoor performance equipment and apparel for climbing, mountaineering, backpacking, skiing and a wide range of other year-round outdoor recreation activities. Our principal brands, Black Diamond® and PIEPS™, are iconic in the active outdoor and ski industries, and linked intrinsically with the modern history of these sports. Black Diamond Equipment is synonymous with performance, innovation, durability and safety that the outdoor and action sport communities rely on and embrace in their active lifestyle. Headquartered in Salt Lake City at the base of the Wasatch Mountains, our products are created and tested on some of the best alpine peaks, slopes, crags, and trails in the world. These close connections to the Black Diamond Equipment lifestyle enhance the authenticity of our brands, inspire product innovation and strengthen customer loyalty. Black Diamond Equipment’s products are sold in approximately 50 countries around the world. For additional information, please visit our website at www.blackdiamondequipment.com or www.pieps.com.
About Black Diamond, Inc.

Black Diamond, Inc. (“Black Diamond”) is a publicly-traded (NASDAQ:BDE) holding company which seeks opportunities to acquire and grow businesses that can generate durable free cash flows and attractive returns. Black Diamond has substantial cash balances and net operating tax loss carryforwards which will be redeployed to maximize shareholder value in a diverse array of businesses.  Currently, Black Diamond Equipment, Ltd. is its only operating subsidiary.  Black Diamond Equipment, Ltd.  is a manufacturer of active outdoor equipment and clothing for the climbing, skiing and mountain sports markets. For additional information, please visit our corporate website atwww.blackdiamond-inc.com.