For Immediate Release
Jan. 26, 2007
ESPN NAMES TOM RICKS GENERAL MANAGER OF BASS
CELEBRATION, Fla. – ESPN today introduced Tom Ricks, a veteran of the fishing and consumer products industry, as general manager of BASS, effective Feb. 12. Ricks has most recently been general manager and global marketing director for Pure Fishing, a worldwide leader in fishing products servicing 120 countries. Ricks will report to Steve Anderson, Executive Vice-President of Production & Technical Operations for ESPN.

“We've spent six months in search of the best candidate to manage BASS and we found that person in Tom Ricks,” said Anderson. "He brings the right mixture of fishing industry experience, familiarity with BASS constituencies and a strong track record of results to the role."

Ricks, who graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in Finance, will relocate from his current home in Okoboji, Iowa, to work at BASS headquarters in Celebration, Fla.

“I am excited about the challenge of aligning the interests of members, anglers, sponsors and fans, so that BASS continues its leadership position in the world of bass fishing,” said Ricks. “At its core BASS defines a passion that anglers have for the sport. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to help drive that passion within competitive bass fishing.”

While with Pure Fishing, Ricks directed global marketing operations and new product development for the organization’s rod, reel and combination products, providing overall management and marketing mix for key brands such as Abu Garcia, Fenwick and Berkley. He also drove sourcing strategy efforts targeting global leverage and developed brand strategy

ABOUT BASS
BASS is the worldwide authority on bass fishing, sanctioning more than 20,000 events through the BASS Federation Nation annually. Guided by its mission to serve all fishing fans, BASS sets the standard for credibility, professionalism, sportsmanship and conservation, as it has for nearly 40 years. BASS stages bass fishing tournaments for every skill level and culminates with the Bassmaster Classic. Through its clubs, youth programs, aquatic resource advocacy, magazine publishing and multimedia platforms, BASS offers the industry's widest array of services and support to its nearly 530,000 members. The organization is headquartered in Celebration, Fla. For more information, contact BASS Communications at or visit www.bassmaster.com. -30-