Racing Champions Announces Senior Management Promotions
25 June 1998
Racing Champions Announces Senior Management Promotions
GLEN ELLYN, Ill.--June 25, 1998--Racing Champions Corporation today announced key senior management changes. Following its recent acquisition of Wheels Sports Group, the Company's Board of Directors has asked several top managers to assume broadened responsibilities.Robert E. Dods, a co-founder and currently President of Racing Champions Corporation has been named its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Boyd L. Meyer, also a co-founder of the Company, and currently its Executive Vice President, has been appointed President of Racing Champions Corporation. After starting the Company in 1989, Dods and Meyer have grown Racing Champions into one of the leading merchandisers of collectibles, including NASCAR-related die-cast replicas.
Peter J. Henseler, currently Racing Champions' Vice President of Marketing, has been appointed Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing, a critical role with the Company's newly expanded product and service offerings.
Curtis W. Stoelting, Vice President-Finance and Operations and Secretary has been promoted to Executive Vice President. Having recently relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina, Stoelting is managing the integration of Wheels Sports' Group, recently renamed Racing Champions South, into the operations of Racing Champions. In addition to his ongoing responsibilities for Finance and Operations, Mr. Stoelting will serve as Managing Director of Racing Champions South.
Joining Mr. Stoelting in managing the operations of Racing Champions South will be key managers from Wheels Sports Group. Randy C. Baker will continue to serve as Chief Operating Officer. Randy E. Duncan continues as Executive Vice President with responsibility for race team and sponsor services. Victor H. Shaffer, also an Executive Vice President will manage the trading cards and collectibles product group. Robert J. Bove and David W. Dupree will continue as Vice Presidents with responsibilities in sales, marketing and operations. M. Kevin Camp, Racing Champions' Vice President - Licensing will assume increased responsibilities for the expanded product lines and additional channels of distribution brought to Racing Champions as a result of the acquisition of Wheels Sports.
Robert Dods, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, stated, "The integration of Wheels Sports Group with the operations of Racing Champions is currently our number one priority. Having identified the managers who will play leadership roles for the combined entity, we are eager to move this process forward. We are fortunate to have talented management teams, both here in Glen Ellyn, and at our Racing Champions South facility in Mooresville, North Carolina who are committed to a successful transition while maintaining our momentum in the marketplace."
Founded in 1989, Racing Champions is a leading producer and marketer of collectibles available at more than 20,000 retail outlets throughout North America. The company is best known for its extensive line of officially licensed die-cast replicas from the five most popular U.S. racing series, including NASCAR. With the completion of its Wheels Sports Group acquisition, Racing Champions now also markets and distributes officially licensed NASCAR merchandise including trading cards, apparel and other products through all channels, including: national and regional mass retail; hobby distributors; grocery, convenience and other specialty retail stores; track side at racing events; direct to consumers and premium programs with corporate clients. Information on Racing Champions and its product lines can be found at www.racingchamps.com on the Internet.