Cabela’s Inc. has named Thomas L. “Tommy” Millner to serve as its next president and CEO. The appointment is effective April 6.
Millner, who formerly was CEO of Freedom Group, Inc., the parent company of Remington Arms Company, Inc., will succeed Dennis Highby. Highby will assume the position of vice chairman of Cabela’s board.
Millner worked for Remington for 15 years, the past 10 as CEO.
“Tommy Millner’s many years in and understanding of the industry, respect for Cabela’s values, passion for the outdoors and knowledge of the competitive landscape will be very important in his new position at Cabela’s,” Highby said in a statement. “Tommy plans on relocating to Sidney [Nebraska, Cabela’s base], and we look forward to him joining the organization.”
Highby joined Cabela’s as its 40th employee and first salaried employee 33 years ago. He has served as CEO and president since July 2003. During his tenure, Highby helped grow Cabela’s annual revenue from approximately $4 million to $2.55 billion,.
“This announcement is the culmination of a succession planning process that has been underway for the past two years,” said company co-founder James W. Cabela in a statement. “Since the day he was hired, Dennis made tremendous contributions to Cabela’s. As a company leader, Dennis, and his team, have added significant value to the organization, and the board has asked Dennis to stay with the company in an advisory role to help maintain the Company legacy, as well as become a Vice Chairman of the Board.”
