Fiocchi announced the appointment of shooting industry veteran David Blenker to the position of president and CEO of its North American operations. Blenker will replace Anthony Acitelli, who is retiring after a three-and-a-half-year tenure in this role.
"I am truly excited to work with such a legendary brand as Fiocchi and to work alongside the dedicated employees who have helped the company make such large strides over the last few years," Blenker said. "With its increasing manufacturing capabilities and a growing footprint in North America, I look forward to this new chapter in Fiocchi's nearly 150-year history. I must also thank outgoing CEO Anthony Acitelli for his outstanding stewardship of the brand and for bringing Fiocchi's North American operations to this point."
Blenker brings decades of shooting-industry experience to his new role, including his guidance in the creation of the new Taurus USA and A-1 Industries manufacturing plants in Bainbridge, Ga. Previously, he sat on the board of governors of the National Shooting Sports Foundation, along with being a past board member of the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute, past board member of the South Florida Council of Boy Scouts of America, and he currently holds a board seat on the Youth Shooting Sports Alliance. Here, Blenker advocates for the grassroots growth of shooting sports—an endeavor that aligns with Fiocchi's ongoing support of the Scholastic Clay Target Program. Blenker is also an avid hunter and competitive shooter.
In his new role as president and CEO of Fiocchi USA, Blenker will guide several major initiatives for the company—most notably the expansion of Fiocchi of America, such as the new primer manufacturing facility in Arkansas—and furthering Fiocchi's commitment to sustainable technology implementation throughout the product lines.
Former President and CEO Anthony Acitelli joined Fiocchi in 2019. During his tenure, Acitelli spearheaded the company's successful ISO certification effort and oversaw the execution and groundbreaking of the new primer facility in Port of Little Rock, Ark.
"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time leading the Fiocchi North American team," Acitelli said. "There is no greater reward than to see the hard work of so many people come to fruition and to set the stage for a company's next step toward a promising tomorrow. I am looking forward to retirement and am pleased to leave the company in good hands, as David brings to bear the kind of experience, integrity and long view that will serve Fiocchi well into the future."
"All of us at Fiocchi and CSG Group would first like to thank Anthony for his notable accomplishment in elevating the Fiocchi brand to its hard-earned and respected position in the US market over the last four years," said David Stepan, investment director and board member of Czechoslovak (CSG) Group. "His guidance has paved the way for David as he begins to move the company forward with major projects underway, like building up our new primer plant, boosting factory output, focusing our vertical integration efforts and growing our market footprint. We are confident his professionalism and extensive knowledge of the shooting and firearms industries will bring us to our ambitious goals."
For more information about Fiocchi ammunition, visit FiocchiUSA.com.
