Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation Announces Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing

SPRINGFIELD, Mass., Aug. 6, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC), a leader in firearm manufacturing and design, today announced that it has hired Andrew Coccari, Jr. to fill the newly created position of Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing, effective August 11, 2014.  Coccari joins the organization from Dorel Industries, where he served as Senior Vice President of Strategic Growth Initiatives for Cannondale Sports.  In his role with Smith & Wesson, Coccari will lead in all aspects of the company's sales and marketing activities.  The appointment occurs in conjunction with the announced retirement of Senior Vice President of Marketing and International Sales, Mario Pasantes, scheduled to take place in calendar 2015.

Coccari has 20 years of sales and marketing leadership experience for a number of renowned, enthusiast brands.  His prior work includes the management of both direct and indirect sales forces across a variety of sales channels, including sporting goods independent retailers and specialty retailers.  At Dorel Industries, he led global initiatives for bicycle brands Cannondale, GT, Schwinn, Mongoose, and Sugoi.  Prior to that, he led the global business for Honeywell Corporation's FRAM Filters and earlier served as Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Standard Renewable Energy, in Houston, Texas.  Coccari was Vice President of Marketing and Innovation for North American at Royal Dutch Shell where he had direct P&L responsibility for a $1.2 billion portfolio of brands and headed up all activities related to the Pennzoil and Quaker State Brands.  During his time with Shell, Coccari oversaw a program designed to leverage and reposition the Pennzoil and Quaker State brand portfolio.  Prior roles included increasingly responsible sales and marketing positions with Coyne Communications, BP, L'Oreal and Honeywell.   

James Debney, President and CEO of Smith & Wesson, said, "I am extremely pleased and excited to welcome Andy to the Smith & Wesson team.  He has built an impressive track record of creating and executing successful sales and marketing strategies for a number of highly respected and global brands.  His sales experience, brand growth knowledge, and leadership skills will be valuable additions to our company and to our executive team as we continue to grow our business and develop our brand portfolio."

Coccari earned his Bachelor of Science degree from The State University of New York and his MBA from New York University.

About Smith & Wesson
Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC) is a U.S.-based leader in firearm manufacturing and design, delivering a broad portfolio of quality firearms, related products, and training to the global military, law enforcement, and consumer markets. The company's brands include Smith & Wesson®, M&P®, and Thompson/Center Arms™. Smith & Wesson facilities are located in Massachusetts, Maine, and Connecticut. For more information on Smith & Wesson, call (800) 331-0852 or log on to www.smith-wesson.com.

Contact: Liz Sharp, VP Investor Relations
Smith & Wesson Holding Corp.
(413) 747-3304
[email protected]

SOURCE Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation