Freedom Group Announces George Kollitides as New Chief Executive Officer
OutdoorHub 04.24.12
Freedom Group, Inc. (FGI) has announced George Kollitides as its Chief Executive Officer. Kollitides, a lifelong hunter, shooter and firearms enthusiast, had been serving since March as Acting CEO of FGI, the firearms industry powerhouse with brands including Remington Arms, Bushmaster, DPMS and Marlin, among others.
“As Acting CEO, George demonstrated unprecedented leadership and drive,” said Walter McLallen, Vice Chairman of the FGI Board of Directors. “In just his first six weeks as Acting CEO, George began rebuilding the company and making a series of strong new hires in manufacturing, quality control and operations. Further, he led a successful campaign to combat anti-gun legislation in New York and successfully refinanced our operations and concluded a strong financial quarter. George Kollitides is the clear choice as our permanent Chief Executive Officer.”
Kollitides had been at Cerberus Capital Management since 2003, where he served as a Managing Director, focusing on the defense, firearms and related industries. Kollitides was the principal architect of the investments in FGI for Cerberus. An avid outdoorsman, Kollitides is a long-time member of numerous hunting, shooting and conservation organizations. He currently serves as a trustee of the NRA Foundation and Director of the NRA’s Hunting and Wildlife Committee, Presidents Committee on Advancement, and Nominating Committee. He is also a Director of the New York State Rifle & Pistol Association.
“Working with the outstanding people at FGI for the last six weeks to provide the best customer service and highest quality products for sportsmen, shooters, firearms enthusiasts, law enforcement and our military has been an incredible experience,” said Kollitides. “I’m honored by the trust the Board of Directors has placed in me. Having seen firsthand the extraordinary caliber of men and women who comprise the Freedom Group family, I am confident of the great accomplishments our team will continue to produce.”
