GSI Outdoors Appoints Outdoor Industry Veteran, Shawn Hostetter as CEO, to Lead Next Era of Independent Growth

June 4, 2026

Following the Scott family’s reacquisition of the brand, former Katadyn executive steps in to champion product innovation and strengthen retail partnerships.

 SPOKANE, WASH., June 4, 2026 /OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – Following the recent announcement that its original founders have reacquired the company, GSI Outdoors has named outdoor industry veteran Shawn Hostetter as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.

The appointment continues GSI’s high-profile return to an independent, founder-backed business model designed to prioritize product excellence and long-term brand health. At a time when the outdoor industry is navigating complex corporate consolidations and shifting private equity priorities, GSI Outdoors is intentionally charting a different course. The company’s trajectory stands as a success story of stability, focusing on doing things the right way for its employees, its retail partners, and the broader outdoor community.

Hostetter brings a significant level of alignment to GSI Outdoors, having spent more than 20 years in key leadership positions with Katadyn Group, including a successful decade-long tenure as President of Katadyn North America. His experience leading premier camp cooking and outdoor hard-goods brands, such as Optimus and AlpineAire Foods, gives him a native understanding of GSI’s core categories and retail buyers. Following his time at Katadyn, Hostetter spent the last five years serving as CEO for prominent consumer brands, further sharpening his executive expertise in driving sustainable corporate growth.

“GSI Outdoors is an iconic brand that represents the very best of what the outdoor industry can be,” said Hostetter. “In a market landscape that often feels dominated by short-term corporate pressures, the Scott family’s decision to buy the company back is an inspiring reminder of the power of independence and authentic values. I am incredibly honored to partner with Don, Ian, Kathy, and this team. My focus will be entirely on supporting our diverse and valued retail network – from our core independent specialty shops to our vital national retail partners – while emphasizing meaningful product development in the camp cooking and hard goods categories where GSI already excels.”

Hostetter’s priorities will focus on accelerating product innovation and expanding GSI’s lines of technical, durable, and community-centric gear. By remaining private and agile, GSI is uniquely positioned to deliver premium, reliable supply chains and creative product solutions that serve the entire spectrum of the outdoor market without compromising its foundational values.

“When we brought GSI Outdoors back into family ownership, our immediate priority was finding a leader who had both deep operational expertise and an understanding of our brand’s heritage,” said Don Scott, co-founder of GSI Outdoors. “Shawn’s impressive track record in the outdoor hard goods space speaks for itself, but it is his commitment to doing business with integrity that made him the perfect fit. We are fully aligned on the future, and we have absolute confidence that Shawn will take GSI to exciting new places while keeping our core values firmly intact.”

For more information visit gsioutdoors.com. 

About GSI Outdoors

Founded in 1985, GSI Outdoors is dedicated to providing adventurers with dependable, innovative gear designed to bring people together in the great outdoors. Born from the childhood adventures of founders Don, Ian, and Kathy Scott in British Columbia, the company, now based in Spokane, Washington, continues to be family owned and operated. Committed to responsible manufacturing and environmental stewardship, GSI Outdoors remains a leading force in providing gear for memorable outdoor meals.

Media Contact:

Danny Pettey

Sasquatch Agency for GSI Outdoors

danny@sasquatchagency.com

541-968-8242

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