Minneapolis - Arctic Cat today announced that Christopher T. Metz, 49, will join the company as president and chief executive officer on Dec. 3, 2014. Metz succeeds Christopher Twomey, who remains Arctic Cat’s board chair.
Twomey said, “The board conducted a national search for a new CEO and we are delighted that Chris is joining Arctic Cat. Chris is a proven leader in the consumer and durable goods industries. He has built a career on improving the performance of market-leading companies. He brings an outstanding strategic skill set to his new role at Arctic Cat—a keen focus on executional excellence and deep experience in product marketing, finance, global operations and talent management. Importantly, he is adept at creating strong partnerships with customers and dealers. Along with the rest of the board, I am pleased to welcome Chris and look forward to working with him.”
Since 2005, Metz has served as a managing director of Sun Capital Partners, Inc., a leading private investment firm with more than $10 billion in capital under management. Prior to Sun Capital, Metz was president at Black & Decker, leading its Hardware and Home Improvement Group from 1999 to 2005. During his 13-year tenure at Black & Decker, he held various other senior leadership positions, including: president of Kwikset Corporation, the world’s largest residential lockset manufacturer; president of Price Pfister, a leading manufacturer of finish faucets; president of Baldwin Hardware; and general manager of European Professional Power Tools and Accessories, based in Frankfurt, Germany.
Metz said, “I am excited to lead a terrific team at Arctic Cat. The company has a strong consumer brand and significant opportunities to increase its sales and profitability. I am eager to build on the company’s success and enhance shareholder value.”
Metz serves on the board of directors of NYSE-listed Vince Holdings Corp., a global fashion brand and retailer with approximately $300 million in annual revenue.
Metz earned a master of business administration degree from the Kenan Flagler School of Business of the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. He holds a bachelor’s degree in finance and marketing from the University of Delaware.
