Mayfly Outdoors, a manufacturer of high-performance fly-fishing products and parent company of Abel Reels, Ross Reels, and Airflo, announced the promotion of Craig Baker to the role of President and CEO. Baker, Mayfly’s vice president of business development since 2015, will assume the role of President and CEO immediately.
Prior to Mayfly, Baker was the category manager of Polaris Industries’ high-growth RZR Accessories business. During his graduate studies at Harvard Business School, Baker also completed consulting engagements in the fly-fishing industry. Both experiences proved to be valuable in understanding the competitive landscape and business development needs within the fly-fishing category and other outdoor industries.
“Having grown up working in outdoor retail and having spent the majority of my career in product manufacturing, I’ve developed a passion and appreciation for great equipment and design,” said Baker. “The opportunity to merge work with my love of fly fishing has been a dream come true. Combine that with the great people, products, and manufacturing processes, and I couldn’t be more fortunate. I look forward to being a part of and seeing what the amazing Abel, Ross, and Airflo teams will achieve in the future!”
David Dragoo, founder of Mayfly Outdoors said, “We’ve been thrilled to have Craig and his family with us in Montrose, and now as our CEO. This is an exciting time at Mayfly Outdoors, and we are confident that Craig’s product vision, leadership, and proven experience will contribute to the ongoing growth of our fly fishing brands.”
Baker’s promotion comes on the heels of the company’s acquisition of international brand Airflo, manufacturer of premium fly-fishing lines. Mayfly Outdoors has tripled in size over the last 5 years, with three manufacturing facilities in California, Colorado, and now in the U.K.
