Gryphon and Portfolio Company News

K&N Engineering, Inc. Announces Tom McGann As Its New Chief Executive Officer

Riverside, CA -

Tom McGann will join K&N Engineering as Chief Executive Officer effective February 11, 2015. Tom brings over 30 years of operating experience in the performance-driven consumer brand sector. Most recently, Tom was the President and CEO of Spyder Active Sports headquartered in Boulder, Colorado. Spyder is the global leader in technical performance ski apparel and a sponsor of the US Ski Team. Prior to Spyder, Tom served as the President and CEO of Motorsports Aftermarket Group (MAG) the industry leader in aftermarket high-performance parts and accessories. Tom and his team dramatically grew the revenues of MAG via a combination of organic and acquisition growth. During this period, Tom and Doug Hood (currently serving as K&N CFO) acquired and integrated numerous founder owned industry leading brands such as Vance & Hines, Renthal, Performance Machine and Mustang Seats. Before joining MAG, Tom was the President of Burton Snowboards, the global leader in performance snowboard equipment and apparel.

Tom also serves as the Chairman of the Board for the Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation (fallenpatriots.org), founded by David Kim in 2002. Fallen Patriots is a philanthropic organization that identifies children of United States Military service men and women who lost their lives serving their country in combat or training. Fallen Patriots provides financial support for these children’s’ college education.

“What has distinguished Tom over the course of his career is the ability to build and lead branded franchises in performance enthusiast markets. He is also an avid performance enthusiast who has been racing drag cars for over 30 years,” Gryphon Partner, Dennis O’Brien said.

“I’m very excited for the opportunity to lead K&N, a truly iconic brand. The K&N Management Team is highly experienced, capable and has the scope to roll out multiple new initiatives. Gryphon investors has a fantastic track record investing in management, providing exceptional operating support and driving value for performance oriented consumer brands,” said McGann.

K&N Engineering in Riverside, California is the world’s leading manufacturer of washable performance air filters and air intake systems. K&N invented the reusable high flow cotton air filter in 1969 and has been perfecting the technology ever since. From its Million Mile Warranty to its Consumer Protection Pledge, K&N stands behind its products and its consumers 100%.


Contacts

For Gryphon:

Kristin Celauro

Owen Blicksilver Public Relations, Inc.
732-264-1131
KRISTIN@BLICKSILVERPR.COM

For K&N Engineering:

Jeremy Templeman

951-826-4000 Ext. 4566
JEREMYT@KNFILTERS.COM