SCOTTSDALE, AZ. -TASER International, Inc. (Nasdaq: TASR), a provider of advanced less-lethal weapons for use in the law enforcement, private security and personal defense markets, has hired Karl Walter as Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing.
Mr. Walter was a co-founder of GLOCK, Inc., a subsidiary of GLOCK GmbH, an Austrian semi-automatic pistol manufacturer, from 1985 until 1992. As General Manager of the U.S. subsidiary, Mr. Walter was directly responsible for making GLOCK the weapon of choice for police agencies throughout the United States. Under Mr. Walter's leadership, GLOCK Inc. grew from a startup with zero sales to the market leader. Following his tenure with GLOCK Inc, Karl worked as Director of Law Enforcement sales for Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc a firearms manufacturer. Most recently, Mr. Walter worked as a program manager for AV Technology International, LLC, a supplier of armored vehicles.
"I am excited to join TASER International, Inc., as I see a great deal of similarity between TASER's initial success in penetrating the law enforcement market and the way that the GLOCK handgun was accepted by many of these same agencies," said Mr. Walter. "I am very happy to lead the sales team that has taken the ADVANCED TASER M26 to such a strong position in just over 18 months and I believe my past experience will help TASER International, Inc. achieve the same type of long-term success enjoyed by GLOCK Inc.," said Mr. Walter.
"We consider ourselves extremely fortunate to be able to add one of the premier sales and marketing executives in the industry," said Rick Smith, Chief Executive Officer of TASER International, Inc. "If anyone can take TASER to the dramatic growth levels we seek, its Karl Walter."
