Leland Nichols Named Senior Vice President and General Manager of Handguns and On-gun Accessories
OutdoorHub 11.07.12
Freedom Group, Inc. (FGI) has announced the appointment of Leland Nichols as Senior Vice President and General Manager for Handguns (Remington and PARA brands) and On-Gun Accessories (AAC and TAPCO brands). Nichols, the former Senior Vice President for Sales, Marketing and Business Development and President and Chief Operating Officer of Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation, will now be responsible for the strategic direction and goals of Handguns and On-Gun Accessories and will report to FGI President Scott Blackwell.
“Leland brings with him a strong business acumen and a myriad of business successes from within our industry,” said George Kollitides, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Freedom Group. “He’s a firearms industry veteran who throughout his career has proven himself as someone who can consistently deliver. There’s no doubt he will have a strong impact on the development and growth of FGI’s world-class products.”
Nichols comes to Freedom Group from Rinnai America Corporation where, as Senior Vice President of Sales and Business Development, he was responsible for the management of Rinnai’s North American sales organization.
“I am thrilled and honored to join the leadership team for the iconic Freedom Group family of brands,” said Nichols. “Over the past year, I have genuinely missed the firearms industry. I greatly anticipate working with our strong FGI team and incorporating my passion for the outdoors and enthusiasm for firearms to accelerate the growth of handguns and on-gun accessories for the Freedom Group.”
“I am truly excited to have Leland come on board in this role,” said Blackwell. “Under the leadership of Leland, FGI will enhance our handgun and on-gun accessory lines while providing the highest quality products to meet the needs of our customers and channel partners. He is a welcome addition to our senior management team.”
