Consumer >> CEO Interviews >> December 14, 1998

J. Merrick Taggart – Swiss Army Brands Inc (sabi)

J. MERRICK ('RICK') TAGGART, 47, was elected President and a director of Swiss Army Brands, Inc., in December 1995, joining the Swiss Army after two years as President of Duofold, Inc., a sports apparel company, and Pringle of Scotland U.S.A., an apparel company. His earlier career in sports equipment and apparel included senior management positions with O'Brien International, a leading water ski company; The Timberland Co., a footwear, apparel and accessories company; Marmot, Inc., a leader in alpinist outerwear and hardware; Hexcel Corp. and Salomon North America, both noted ski manufacturers. As President of Marmot from 1983-85, he negotiated the company's sale to Timberland. A graduate of Syracuse University, Mr. Taggart earned his MBA from the University of Phoenix in 1983. Profile
TWST: Could we start out with a brief overview of Swiss Army Brands, to

let our readers understand what the company is about.

Mr. Taggart: The company markets three distinct brands, R. H.