5.11 Tactical (“5.11” or the “Company”), the world’s leading innovator of purpose-built gear, announced that Francisco Morales, Co-founder and President of 5.11, has been appointed as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, effective Sept. 4, 2018. Mr. Morales will also be appointed to the Company’s Board of Directors.
He will succeed Tom Davin, who will be transitioning from his position as CEO. Mr. Davin will continue to serve in an advisory role to the Company.
Francisco Morales is currently the President of 5.11, which he co-founded in 2003. Mr. Morales was President of outdoor and travel clothing company, Royal Robbins, where he helped create the 5.11 brand. Earlier in his career, Francisco held a variety of positions at L.L. Bean and Dick’s Sporting Goods, where he developed brands and product lines across various product categories and was a member of the team that created the Dick’s Sporting Goods private label division.
Mr. Morales earned an executive MBA at the Thunderbird School of Global Management and a degree from Jefferson University (formerly Philadelphia College of Textiles and Science). 5.11 also announces the appointment of Matt Hyde as Executive Chairman. Mr. Hyde previously served as Chief Executive Officer of West Marine following a 26-year tenure at REI, culminating as Executive Vice President. Mr. Hyde will be working closely with Mr. Morales and the senior leadership team to help develop strategy and set priorities as the business continues to grow.
“It has been a tremendous honor to lead 5.11 as CEO and serve members of the law enforcement, firefighting, EMS and military communities with innovative products. Like my service in the Marine Corps, being part of 5.11 has been a calling. I am proud of the team we’ve built and the culture that will carry on,” stated Tom Davin. “Francisco Morales has been my partner for the past 7 years. He is one of the most talented leaders I’ve worked with during my 30-year business career. I’m excited to support him as he guides 5.11 through the next stages of global growth.”
Francisco Morales commented, “I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to work closely with a leader of Tom Davin’s caliber and to continue to have him as an advisor. 5.11’s prospects are strong, and I am honored to become the Company’s new CEO. I look forward to working closely with Matt Hyde, our entire senior leadership team, and our exceptional group of dedicated professionals to further solidify 5.11’s leadership position. We remain committed to continuing 5.11’s proud tradition of partnering with our end-users while continuously innovating new purpose-built apparel and gear for the most demanding missions.”
About 5.11 Tactical
With offices around the globe, 5.11 works directly with end users to create purpose-built apparel and gear designed specifically to enhance the safety, accuracy, speed, and performance of tactical professionals and enthusiasts worldwide. 5.11 products exceed rigorous standards, which have allowed the brand to establish a reputation for innovation and authenticity, and become the premier choice for those who always have to be ready. 5.11 products can be purchased online, through authorized dealers and retailers, as well as at 5.11 company-owned retail stores.
Learn more about 5.11’s best-selling tactical gear and accessories at www.511tactical.com. Find a full list of 5.11 company-owned retail stores at https://www.511tactical.com/customerservice/locations/. Connect with 5.11 on Facebook, Twitter @511Tactical and on Instagram @511Tactical and #511tactical
