New leadership focused on fueling innovation, category expansion and deepening brand presence
Missoula, Montana – Sun Mountain Sports, a leader in golf bag, cart and outerwear innovation, is pleased to announce that Grant Knudson is joining the company as President and Chief Brand Officer, effective January 22nd. Knudson will join an experienced executive team led by CEO, Ed Kowachek. In this role, Knudson will lead global commercial strategy focused on driving sales, marketing, and product innovation.
“Sun Mountain pioneered golf’s iconic stand bags, and I have always had an affinity for innovation and brands that do things first — and Sun Mountain has a lot of firsts,” said Knudson. “The company’s history of innovation is long-standing, and we have an opportunity to grow our brand and existing product categories, while expanding into new categories.”
Knudson has nearly 20 years of industry experience, most recently leading the product and marketing teams at PUMA Golf. During his tenure, he played an instrumental role in the significant growth of the golf business across all major categories. Prior to his time at PUMA, Knudson helped Adidas achieve double-digit growth in its global footwear business.
“Grant’s experience driving product design, management, sales and marketing will be an invaluable addition to our executive team at Sun Mountain Sports,” said Kowachek. “His proven track record, strategic leadership, and passion for innovation is a powerful combination, and I am excited about the vision he will bring to Sun Mountain as we continue to grow our business.”
Brett Wyard, Chairman of Sun Mountain Sports and Managing Partner at Solace Capital Partners, which acquired Sun Mountain Sports in March 2022, expressed his confidence in the new executive addition. “With Grant’s leadership and experience, Sun Mountain is positioned for continued growth and success.”
About Sun Mountain Sports
Sun Mountain has been a pioneer in the golf industry for 40+ years, revolutionizing golf bags, golf outerwear and golf carts. Sun Mountain’s many innovations, including the first lightweight golf bag and modern stand bag, have made it the top golf bag company in North America. Within golf outerwear, Sun Mountain redefined golf-specific performance first with the windshirt, then fleece, and again with its four-way stretch, waterproof, and breathable rainwear. The Sun Mountain Speed Cart® golf push cart transformed walking carts and created an entirely new category of golf products. Sun Mountain’s “Ahead of Time Design” motto drives the company to continually design and refine golf equipment. For the Sun Mountain retailer nearest you call 800-227-9224 or visit www.sunmountain.com.
About Solace Capital Partners
Solace Capital Partners is a Los Angeles-based private equity firm focused on providing flexible capital solutions for middle market companies in the United States and Canada. Solace seeks to form collaborative partnerships with management teams and leverage the firm’s extensive resources to realize operational improvements and drive performance in its portfolio companies while generating attractive risk-adjusted returns for its investors. For more information, please visit www.solacecap.com.
Contact:
Steve Snyders
Sublime Public Relations
Steve@sublimepub.com
406-728-4180
