Escalade CEO Glazer to Retire at End of 2024

EVANSVILLE, INDIANA (August 14, 2024) – Escalade, Inc. announced that Walter P. Glazer Jr. has notified the Escalade Board that he would like to retire as Chief Executive Officer and President at the end of 2024. The company’s Board of Directors will lead a comprehensive search process for his successor that will consider internal and external candidates.

Glazer, who has been a shareholder since 1991 and a Director for the past nine years, will continue serving on the Board after his retirement, pending annual shareholder approval.

“It has been an absolute privilege and honor to lead Escalade and to work with our talented teams during extraordinary times,” Glazer said. “Escalade is well-positioned for the future while continuing to deliver for our loyal consumers, trade partners and shareholders. 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.”

Under Glazer’s leadership, Escalade saw significant growth and successfully navigated the post-pandemic return to normalized demand. Notable achievements include the acquisition of Brunswick Billiards, the implementation of a decentralized, consumer-centric organizational structure accompanied by a robust leadership development program, a focus on capital allocation and strategic optimization of assets, including the recent sale of the company’s Rosarita, Mexico facility, and an unwavering commitment to total shareholder return.

Glazer successfully guided the company during the global COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath, maintaining strong operational and financial performance during one of the most challenging periods in recent history.

“On behalf of everyone at Escalade, I want to express our deepest gratitude for Walt’s leadership and unwavering dedication as President and CEO,” said Ned Williams, Lead Independent Director of Escalade. “Walt’s commitment and outstanding leadership have guided Escalade through a period of unprecedented growth and transformation. 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. We are extremely grateful for Walt’s contributions and look forward to working with him during the CEO transition process and beyond as he will continue to contribute to Escalade through his service as a Director after his retirement as President and CEO.”