American Outdoor Brands (NASDAQ: AOUT) appoints Kevin Leary as independent director
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
American Outdoor Brands, Inc. appointed Kevin D. Leary to its Board of Directors as an independent director effective August 4, 2026, to serve until the company’s 2026 annual meeting of stockholders and until a successor is elected and qualified.
Leary will serve on the Board’s Compensation Committee and Nominations and Corporate Governance Committee. He is Chief Executive Officer of Hallador Investment Advisors, an SEC-registered investment advisor and family office, and has held senior roles there since 2015. He also serves or has served on multiple boards in forest products, medical technology, and semiconductor businesses.
Leary will be compensated under the existing director compensation program described in the September 12, 2025 proxy statement and will sign the company’s standard indemnification agreement. The company reported no related-party transactions involving Leary and furnished an August 6, 2026 press release announcing his appointment.
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Filing Explained
The filing places the board appointment in Item 5.02, while its August 6 press release is provided under Item 7.01 as furnished—not filed or incorporated by reference—so the release has a different legal filing status from the appointment disclosure.
8-K Event Classification
3 items: 5.02, 7.01, 9.01
3 items
Item 5.02
Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers
Governance
Key personnel changes including departures, elections, or appointments of directors and executive officers.
Item 7.01
Regulation FD Disclosure
Disclosure
Material non-public information disclosed under Regulation Fair Disclosure, often investor presentations or guidance.
Item 9.01
Financial Statements and Exhibits
Exhibits
Financial statements, pro forma financial information, and exhibit attachments filed with this report.
Key Figures
Director appointment effective date: August 4, 2026
Press release date: August 6, 2026
Board term reference year: 2026
+2 more
5 metrics
Director appointment effective date
August 4, 2026
Effective date of Kevin D. Leary’s appointment to the Board of Directors
Press release date
August 6, 2026
Date of press release announcing Kevin D. Leary’s appointment
Board term reference year
2026
Leary serves until the company’s 2026 annual meeting of stockholders
Company main telephone number
(800) 338-9585
American Outdoor Brands’ listed main contact number
Investor relations phone
(573) 303-4620
Contact number for VP, Investor Relations Liz Sharp
Key Terms
independent director, Regulation FD Disclosure, indemnification agreement, family office, +2 more
6 terms
independent director regulatory
"Kevin D. Leary was appointed to serve as an independent director"
An independent director is a member of a company's board of directors who is not involved in the company's day-to-day operations and has no significant relationships with the company that could influence their judgment. Their role is to provide unbiased oversight and ensure the company is managed in the best interests of all shareholders. This helps build trust and confidence among investors by promoting transparency and accountability.
Regulation FD Disclosure regulatory
"Item 7.01 Regulation FD Disclosure"
Regulation FD disclosure requires public companies to share important, market-moving information with everyone at the same time instead of tipping off analysts or large investors first. Think of it as making sure all players on a field hear the same announcement simultaneously; that fairness helps investors trust that stock prices reflect the same information and reduces the risk of sudden, unfair trading advantages or regulatory penalties for selective leaks.
indemnification agreement regulatory
"will enter into our standard form of indemnification agreement"
An indemnification agreement is a contract in which one party promises to cover losses, costs, or legal claims that another party might face, acting like a tailored safety net or private insurance policy. For investors, it matters because such agreements shift potential financial risk away from a company or its officers and onto the indemnifier, which can affect a company’s future liabilities, cash flow and how risky the investment appears during deal-making or litigation.
family office financial
"an SEC-registered investment advisor and family office focused on long-term value"
A family office is a private organization that manages the financial affairs, investments and often day-to-day wealth needs of one wealthy family or a small number of families, acting like a household’s dedicated finance team. It matters to investors because family offices can move large amounts of capital quietly and for the long term—choosing investments, buying firms or funding startups—which can influence market prices, deal availability and how businesses are run.
Compensation Committee financial
"has been appointed to the Compensation Committee"
A compensation committee is a group within a company's leadership responsible for setting and reviewing how much top executives and employees are paid, including salaries, bonuses, and benefits. It matters to investors because fair and effective pay decisions can influence a company's performance, leadership motivation, and overall governance, helping ensure that the company’s management is aligned with shareholders’ interests.
Nominations and Corporate Governance Committee financial
"appointed to the Nominations and Corporate Governance Committee"
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
FAQ
What did American Outdoor Brands (AOUT) announce regarding its Board of Directors?
American Outdoor Brands appointed Kevin D. Leary to its Board of Directors as an independent director, effective August 4, 2026. He will serve until the company’s 2026 annual meeting and has joined the Compensation and Nominations and Corporate Governance Committees.
When does Kevin D. Leary’s term on the American Outdoor Brands (AOUT) board end?
Kevin D. Leary’s board term runs until the 2026 annual meeting of stockholders and until his successor is duly elected and qualified. This aligns his initial service period with the company’s regular annual board election cycle.
What committees will Kevin D. Leary serve on at American Outdoor Brands (AOUT)?
Kevin D. Leary has been appointed to the Board’s Compensation Committee and Nominations and Corporate Governance Committee. These assignments place him directly in roles overseeing executive pay, board composition, and broader governance practices at American Outdoor Brands.
What is Kevin D. Leary’s current primary role outside American Outdoor Brands (AOUT)?
Kevin D. Leary is the Chief Executive Officer of Hallador Investment Advisors, an SEC-registered investment advisor and family office. He oversees firm strategy, capital allocation, and a diversified portfolio of public and private investments, experience highlighted by American Outdoor Brands’ Board chairman.
How will Kevin D. Leary be compensated as a director of American Outdoor Brands (AOUT)?
Kevin D. Leary will receive compensation consistent with American Outdoor Brands’ director compensation program, as described in its definitive proxy statement filed on September 12, 2025. He will also enter into the company’s standard form of indemnification agreement used for directors.
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
________________________________________________________
FORM 8-K
________________________________________________________
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): August 4, 2026
________________________________________________________
(Exact name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
________________________________________________________
| (State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation) | (Commission File Number) | (IRS Employer Identification No.) | ||||||
| (Address of Principal Executive Offices) | (Zip Code) | |||||||
Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (800 ) 338-9585
Not Applicable
(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)
________________________________________________________
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
| Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) | |||||
| Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) | |||||
| Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) | |||||
| Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)) | |||||
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||||||||||||
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§ 230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§ 240.12b-2 of this chapter).
Emerging growth company o
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o
Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers..
On August 4, 2026, Kevin D. Leary was appointed to our Board of Directors to serve for a term expiring at our 2026 annual meeting of stockholders and until his successor is duly elected and qualified. Mr. Leary will serve as an independent director and has been appointed to the Compensation Committee and Nominations and Corporate Governance Committee of our Board of Directors. Mr. Leary is Chief Executive Officer of Hallador Investment Advisors, an SEC-registered investment advisor and family office focused on long-term value creation, where he is responsible for overall firm strategy, capital allocation, and oversight of a diversified investment portfolio across public and private markets. He has been at Hallador Investment Advisors since 2015, serving as Chief Executive Officer since 2021; President from 2018 until 2021; and Chief Financial Officer, Chief Compliance Officer, and Investment Analyst from 2015 until 2018. Throughout his career, Mr. Leary has advised on corporate strategy, executive compensation, and governance practices for public and private companies in a range of industries. He currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Tahoe Forest Products, a private forest products company, a position he has held since 2022. He is a director of EarLens Corporation, a private medical technology company, where he is Chair of the Compensation Committee and a member of the Audit Committee. From 2018 until its July 2026 sale to Analog Devices, Mr. Leary was a director of Empower Semiconductor, a private semiconductor company, where he served as Chair of the Audit Committee, and previously as Chair of the Compensation Committee. Mr. Leary was a director of Navitas Semiconductor from 2018, until its initial public offering in 2021. Previously, Mr. Leary held positions with global accounting firm Grant Thornton LLP and investment firm Spitfire Capital LLC.
Mr. Leary will receive compensation for services as a director of our company consistent with our director compensation program, as described in our definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on September 12, 2025. Mr. Leary will enter into our standard form of indemnification agreement filed as Exhibit 10.15 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 26, 2020.
There are no arrangements or understandings between Mr. Leary and any other person pursuant to which Mr. Leary was selected as a director. There are no transactions involving Mr. Leary that would be required to be reported under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.
Item 7.01 Regulation FD Disclosure
On August 6, 2026, we issued a press release announcing the matters described herein. A copy of the press release is attached as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K.
The information in this Item 7.01 and Exhibit 99.1 attached hereto is intended to be furnished and shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(d)Exhibits.
Exhibit Number | Description | |||||||
| 99.1 | Press release from the Registrant, dated August 6, 2026, entitled “American Outdoor Brands Appoints Kevin D. Leary to Board of Directors” | |||||||
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document) | |||||||
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
| AMERICAN OUTDOOR BRANDS, INC. | |||||||||||
| Date: | August 6, 2026 | By: | /s/ H. Andrew Fulmer | ||||||||
H. Andrew Fulmer Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer, and Secretary | |||||||||||
 | Exhibit 99.1 | ||||
| 1800 N Route Z | |||||
| Columbia, MO 65202 | |||||
| (800) 338-9585 | |||||
| NASDAQ: AOUT | |||||
Contact:
Liz Sharp, VP, Investor Relations
lsharp@aob.com
(573) 303-4620
American Outdoor Brands Appoints
Kevin D. Leary to Board of Directors
COLUMBIA, Mo., August 6, 2026 – American Outdoor Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ Global Select: AOUT), an innovation company that provides product solutions for outdoor enthusiasts, today announced that Kevin D. Leary has been appointed to its Board of Directors, effective August 4, 2026. Mr. Leary will serve as an independent director and has been appointed to the Board’s Compensation Committee and Nominations and Corporate Governance Committee.
Mr. Leary is Chief Executive Officer of Hallador Investment Advisors, an SEC-registered investment advisor and family office focused on long-term value creation, where he is responsible for overall firm strategy, capital allocation, and oversight of a diversified portfolio of public and private investments.
"We are pleased to welcome Kevin to the American Outdoor Brands Board," said Barry Monheit, Chairman of the Board. "Kevin brings deep experience in investment management, capital allocation, corporate finance, and governance, along with the perspective of a longstanding large shareholder and avid outdoor enthusiast. As we continue to advance our strategy – investing in innovation, growing our portfolio of brands, pursuing disciplined M&A opportunities, and maintaining a strong balance sheet – I believe his insights and experience will strengthen our Board and management team as we continue creating long-term value for our shareholders."
Mr. Leary has been with Hallador Investment Advisors since 2015 and has served as its Chief Executive Officer since 2021. He previously served as the firm’s President and, before that, as Chief Financial Officer, Chief Compliance Officer, and Investment Analyst. Throughout his career, he has advised public and private companies on corporate strategy, executive compensation, and governance matters. Mr. Leary currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Tahoe Forest Products, a private forest products company, and as a director of
| Exhibit 99.1 | ||||
| 1800 N Route Z | |||||
| Columbia, MO 65202 | |||||
| (800) 338-9585 | |||||
| NASDAQ: AOUT | |||||
EarLens Corporation, a private medical technology company, where he chairs the Compensation Committee and serves on the Audit Committee. He previously served as a director of Empower Semiconductor until its sale to Analog Devices in July 2026 and as a director of Navitas Semiconductor prior to its initial public offering. Earlier in his career, Mr. Leary held positions with Grant Thornton LLP and Spitfire Capital LLC.
About American Outdoor Brands, Inc.
American Outdoor Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ Global Select: AOUT) is an innovation company that provides product solutions for outdoor enthusiasts, including hunting, fishing, camping, shooting, meat processing, outdoor cooking, and personal security and personal defense products. The Company produces innovative, high-quality products under brands including BOG®; BUBBA®; Caldwell®; Crimson Trace®; Frankford Arsenal®; Grilla®; Hooyman®; Imperial®; LaserLyte®; Lockdown®; MEAT! Your Maker®; Old Timer®; Schrade®; Tipton®; Uncle Henry®; and Wheeler®. For more information about all the brands and products from American Outdoor Brands, Inc., visit aob.com.