Ruger CEO to Retire

by
posted on September 2, 2016
rugerchall.jpg

Ruger’s accomplishments under the leadership of Chief Executive Officer Michael O. Fifer make his announced retirement in May 2017 noteworthy for gun owners. His efforts were critical in the company’s growth, and helped ensure our Second Amendment rights.

Yesterday Ruger announced Fifer will retire on May 9, 2017, at Ruger’s next annual Board Meeting. What he’s accomplished in a decade at the helm is amazing, and outpaces nearly (if not all) every competitor in the firearm industry.

Every gun owner knows, or should know, about the company’s unwavering dedication to protecting the Second Amendment. It’s most evident in the 2 Million Gun Challenge, now extended to 2.5 million, to raise critical funds this election year for NRA/ILA. That kind of generosity requires a firm financial footing, though, and he accomplished that task with aplomb.

“Mike’s leadership over the past 10 years as CEO has been extraordinary,” said C. Michael Jacobi, Chairman of Ruger’s Board of Directors. “During Mike’s tenure, Ruger’s revenues increased more than four times to $600 million and its market capitalization increased more than six times to $1.3 billion, while at the same time driving shareholder returns eight times that of the S&P 500 Index. Mike has led the transformation of the company’s product line and operations, positioning us as a leader in the firearms industry.”

Fifer will continue to support the company as vice chairman of the Board of Directors. Stepping into the CEO role will be Ruger’s current President and Chief Operating Officer Christopher J. Killoy, who has been with the manufacturer since 2003. The West Point graduate and Army veteran previously held positions as Savage Arms, Smith & Wesson and General Electric.

“Chris is the ideal candidate to become just the fourth CEO in the Company’s 67-year history,” Jacobi said. “Chris has a demonstrated track record of success in a wide range of positions at Ruger and other firearm companies over the past 27 years, and he is well qualified to lead our continued growth and development.”

Latest

U.S. Civil War-era, "Kentucky"-marked Triplett & Scott breechloading carbine.
U.S. Civil War-era, "Kentucky"-marked Triplett & Scott breechloading carbine.

Triplett & Scott Arms Of Kentucky

Triplett & Scott Arms created a unique breechloading carbine near the end of the Civil War, and before the war's end, 5,000 guns were produced to protect Union Army supply lines in Kentucky.

10 Companies Join SAAMI—Why It’s Good News For Enthusiasts

There’s good reason why more firearm and ammunition manufacturers joining SAAMI, an organization founded in 1926 at the request of the federal government, is good news for gun owners.

Designing & Loading Winchester's .21 Sharp Cartridge

Winchester's new .21 Sharp cartridge is designed to solve some of the longstanding problems with .22 Long Rifle and give consumers more options. Here's how the company designed it.

Benelli Adds "Advanced Impact" Technology To Popular Shotgun Models

Benelli's new "Advanced Impact" technology results in a new shotgun bore configuration, and the company promises that this offers greater pellet penetration on target.

Dick Metcalf Gun Collection Up For Auction

Longtime firearm industry author Dick Metcalf passed away in October 2023, and now, select examples from his extensive collection of firearms, curated by Sportsman's Legacy, are up for auction through GunBroker.com.

Review: Springfield Model 2020 Redline

In situations where hunters have to hike up and down ridges, every ounce counts, and for these mobile hunters, Springfield Armory has introduced the Model 2020 Redline.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.