OVERLAND PARK, Kan.—Blake Lipham has been named president of Bushnell Outdoor Products, in addition to his current role as chief financial officer. The company's board has also named current director Robert L. Caulk its chairman.

"I am excited about the opportunity to expand my leadership role at Bushnell, a tremendous company with a strong legacy of historic performance and exceptional potential for global growth," said Lipham. "In addition to our well-known brands and tremendous portfolio of consumer products for the outdoor enthusiast, we have an outstanding group of employees worldwide who are truly focused on delivering the best possible service and products to our customers and consumers, alike. I am proud to be a part of this organization, and look forward to working with our executive team and MidOcean to lead this company into our next phase of growth."

Lipham joined Bushnell in 2007 as CFO and during his time has strengthened the administrative functions of the company as well as identified and executed strategic add-on acquisitions, including Simmons Outdoor Corporation and Millett Industries, according to a Bushnell announcement. Prior to joining Bushnell, Lipham spent three years as the COO/CFO of Union Corrugating Company and five years as the CFO of Home Depot Installed Products.

"The Bushnell senior management team has demonstrated great leadership throughout this transition and we are very excited to promote from within and expand Blake’s management responsibilities," added Rob Sharp, managing director of private equity fund MidOcean Partners, which acquired Bushnell in Nov. 2007. "It is also fantastic to have someone of Bob's caliber in the role of chairman and we look forward to his contributions to the business going forward."

In addition to serving on the Bushnell board, Caulk has more than 30 years in corporate management. From 1999 through 2005, he served as chairman and CEO of United Industries Corporation, a $1 billion private equity-backed consumer products company. He has also held senior executive positions at Clopay Building Products Company, Johnson Outdoors, and S.C. Johnson & Son. As chairman, Caulk will serve as a key adviser to Lipham and the other Bushnell senior corporate officers, according to the company.