Traeger Pellet Grills Names Jeremy Andrus as New CEO

WILSONVILLE, Ore., Jan. 17, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Traeger Pellet Grills ("Traeger"), a designer, manufacturer and marketer of wood pellet grills, wood pellets, sauces & spices, and grilling accessories, announced today that it has named Jeremy Andrus as Chief Executive Officer.  Andrus, an experienced CEO with a strong track record of successfully growing consumer businesses, will spend his time between Traeger's principle locations in Wilsonville, Oregon and Springville, Utah.

Prior to joining Traeger, Andrus spent eight years at headphone designer, marketer, and distributor Skullcandy, most recently as President and CEO, where he was able to increase annual sales from less than $1 million to nearly $300 million and establish the company as a preeminent lifestyle brand.

"I am excited to be joining the team at Traeger.  The company has done an excellent job establishing itself as the leader in the wood pellet grill market.  With its unique product offering and multi-channel sales strategy, there is tremendous potential for Traeger, and I look forward to guiding the company's continued strong growth," said Andrus.

In connection with assuming the CEO role, Andrus is making a material co-investment in Traeger and will become a partner with the company's existing shareholders, the Barish family and Trilantic Capital Partners.

Andrus joins Traeger from Solamere Capital, where he was an Entrepreneur in Residence based in Salt Lake City, Utah.  Prior to Solamere, Andrus served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Skullcandy Inc. from 2011 to 2013 after his five year role as President and Chief Operating Officer of the company.  Andrus received his M.B.A. from Harvard Business School and his B.A. from Brigham Young University, where he studied international relations.

About Traeger Pellet Grills  

Traeger was founded in 1985 in Oregon. It sells its products, through a dealer network, online and through a direct sales force at selected retailers, trade shows, fairs, rodeos, and other outdoor events. Known for its ease of use, versatility and great tasting wood-fired cooking, Traeger is America's leading alternative outdoor grill.

Headquartered in Wilsonville, Oregon, Traeger operates warehouse and logistics locations in Oregon, Colorado and Tennessee, and a facility in Utah where it recruits and trains it sales force. The company also has a team in China dedicated to manufacturing quality and supply chain management. For more information about Traeger, visit www.traegergrills.com.

About Trilantic Capital Partners 

Trilantic is a private equity firm focused on control and significant minority investments in North America and Europe, with a primary investment focus in North America in the business services, consumer, energy and financial services sectors.  Trilantic currently manages four institutional private equity funds with aggregate capital commitments of $6 billion.

For more information, visit www.trilantic.com.

SOURCE Trilantic Capital Partners