Lou Riley to become president and CEO.

April 25, 2018

2 Min Read
Montana Silversmiths announces CEO appointment

Montana Silversmiths, Inc., a leading Western fashion jewelry and buckle brand, has announced the appointment of Lou Riley as President and CEO.  Riley will succeed Steve Muellner, President and Chief Executive Officer since 2013, who will be retiring effective May 15.  “Steve has led the Montana Silversmiths team admirably and has helped position the company for its next chapter and we wish him the very best in his retirement,” said Drew H. Adams, President of StoneCreek Capital.

Riley, an avid hunter and outdoorsman, brings 25 years of experience to Montana Silversmiths with extensive global business background and leadership experience, having most recently served as the President of Eastman Outdoors, Inc.  Riley has also held numerous executive positions over a very accomplished career, including the role of Division President at Sig Sauer, Inc., CEO at Gamo USA Corporation & BSA Optics, Inc. and before that was President of Weston Consumer Products, Inc.

“Lou’s strong execution skills and proven ability to lead top performing teams is a perfect fit for Montana Silversmiths” stated Joe Hays, Managing Partner of Diamond State Ventures.

“There is tremendous growth happening at Montana Silversmiths in terms of investing in the expansion of their product portfolio,” said Riley. “Montana Silversmiths is a leading brand with a renowned reputation of having superior craftsmanship, impeccable service, and rich history of authentic western products and I am proud and excited for the opportunity to contribute to their legacy by joining the team.”

StoneCreek Capital and a group of leading private equity investment firms, including Diamond State Ventures, Aavin Equity and MidStates Capital acquired Montana Silversmiths in partnership with the management team in October of 2016.

Montana Silversmiths, known as “The Brand of Champions, has been a pioneer in the development of Western fashion in jewelry and buckles since 1973.  The company is known for its skilled craftsmen, who are the finest in the Western industry, perfecting a combination of traditional designs and crisply executed engraving styles for Western and Outdoor enthusiasts.  The company is the Official Silversmith for the PRCA, National Reining Horse Association, The PBR, The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association, Miss Rodeo America, Appaloosa Horse Club, National Little Britches Rodeo Association, Women’s Pro Rodeo Association, Arabian Horse Association, The FFA, and International Professional Rodeo Association among other Western and outdoor organizations.

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