New leader steps forward at STEYR ARMS USA
Revised Article:
Steyr Arms appoints Gerard Wayne Weber as the US CEO, setting sights on boosting its footprint in the US market.
Austrian firearms manufacturer, Steyr Arms, with more than a century and a half under its belt, has brought on Gerard Wayne Weber as the new CEO of its US operations, based in Alabama. With his tenure kicking off on April 14th, Weber is tasked with steering the brand through its expansion in the world's biggest market for handguns.
Welcome aboard, Wayne Weber!
"Steyr Arms boasts cutting-edge technology and a renowned status that's yet to be fully recognized on American soil. I'm thrilled to be a part of writing the next success story for this venerable brand. I'm certain that with a solid plan and well-thought-out strategies, we'll reach a broader spectrum of American customers, from civilians to government entities," Weber, CEO of Steyr Arms Inc. (USA), shares his enthusiasm.
Cheers from the Group CEO
"We're ecstatic to have Wayne Weber on our team. His extensive experience and deep-rooted knowledge of the firearms industry position us well for realizing our vision for Steyr Arms in the US, particularly in terms of business growth and regional production expansion," says Milan Šlápal, CEO of Steyr Arms GmbH.
Casting an Eye on the American Market
With an annual demand for handguns topping five billion dollars, Steyr Arms is planting its flag in the US instead. The company is putting its focus on local strategies to appease the American market, from product portfolio and manufacturing, down to supply chain and trade. By 2025, Steyr Arms aims to roll out three new products explicitly designed for the US market.
A Seasoned Veteran of the Industry
Weber brings to the table over 30 years of industry expertise. He cut his teeth at Heckler & Koch USA, spending 24 years there, including eight years as the company president. He led the record-setting handgun procurement for American law enforcement agencies and played a significant role in introducing products such as the MR556, MR762, and the VP9. As a former U.S. Air Force trainer and a long-standing advocate of the Second Amendment, Weber stands firm on Americans' right to bear arms.
Steyr Arms has been part of the RSBC Defence Fund since 2024, managed by investment group RSBC. Alongside the Austrian Steyr Arms, the Slovenian firearms manufacturer AREX also falls under the fund's portfolio. The fund focuses on long-term investments in global ambition brands, emphasizing technology, efficiency, and local adaptability.
Established in 1864 and headquartered in Steyr, Steyr Arms is one of Europe's leading firearms manufacturers. It enjoys a strong reputation in the hunting weapons and professional use segments, including law enforcement and military. Steyr's AUG, recognized as the STG 77 by the Austrian Armed Forces, has been adopted by over twenty armed forces worldwide. Thanks to its compact design, the AUG sees widespread use among special police units. Other notable products include precision rifles, pistols, and accessories, catering to both professional and civilian markets for hunting and sport shooting.
Interestingly, Steyr Arms Inc., the US sibling of the Austrian company, is owned 100% by Steyr Arms GmbH. By pursuing localization strategies, specializing in product development, and leveraging strategic partnerships, Steyr Arms is shaping its future as a force to be reckoned with in the US firearms market.
The finance investment group, RSBC Defence Fund, seeks to expand its portfolio with Steyr Arms' strategic localization strategies for business growth in the US.
Steyr Arms, under the leadership of its US CEO, Gerard Wayne Weber, is planning to release three new products designed specifically for the finance-dominated American market by 2025.
