American Achievement Corporation Names Robert Myers President And CEO

AUSTIN, Texas, March 8, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading yearbook and affinity company American Achievement Corporation ("AAC") ("the Company"), which operates primarily under the Balfour brand, today announced it has named Robert "Bob" Myers as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective March 14, 2016.  Current President and Chief Executive Officer, Steven Parr, will assume the role of Executive Chairman of the Board of AAC and will work closely with Mr. Myers through a transition phase.

Mr. Myers, 51, has over 30 years of experience in the merchandise and retail industries, with a focus on sales, marketing, product development and omni-channel distribution strategies. He most recently served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Sheplers, a Dallas-based western lifestyle company with 25 retail locations across the United States and an industry-leading global e-commerce business.  At AAC, Mr. Myers will lead the next phase of the Company's growth, including the enhancement of the Company's digital capabilities and the launch of its new publishing software, while further solidifying its core business driven by the Company's in-house sales force and over 300 independent sales representatives' sale of exceptional and innovative graduation, achievement and affinity products to schools around the country. 

Mr. Parr stated, "Bob is a seasoned and extraordinarily talented executive who has a proven ability to successfully grow unique businesses by enhancing sales, marketing and product development, developing digital platforms and omni-channel strategies. Bob's skills, insights and vision make him the ideal person to lead AAC on our exciting path ahead, and I look forward to continuing to work closely with him and the Board to execute strategic initiatives that will accelerate AAC's growth prospects for the benefit of the Company's customers, partners, sales representatives and employees."

Mr. Myers stated, "I am thrilled to be joining AAC and am excited to work closely with the Company's talented staff and independent sales representatives to achieve our growth plans. Because of the well-established relationships AAC's experienced sales representatives have built with schools across the country, AAC is positioned very well in the marketplace.  I am confident that with this strong foundation in place, we have tremendous opportunities to enhance our focus on providing the best products to our scholastic customers and delivering outstanding service and cutting-edge software to our publishing customers." 

As CEO of Sheplers from 2010-2015, Mr. Myers drove top line sales growth and led the company's opening of 11 new stores.  Prior to joining Sheplers in 2010, Mr. Myers spent nine years at QVC, where he held various senior roles in digital strategy, merchandising, marketing and business development. Most recently at QVC, Mr. Myers was Senior Vice President of QVC.com, Multi Media Platforms & Broadcast Operations & Technology, responsible for its internet business including its $2 billion global e-commerce and mobile platform, online marketing and multi-channel initiatives. Earlier in his career, Mr. Myers held various marketing and merchandising leadership positions at J.C. Penney. Mr. Myers holds a Professional Master Certification in E-Commerce from the Southern Methodist University School of Engineering, a B.S. in Business Studies from Buffalo State University and an A.S. in Computer Science from Condie College.

About American Achievement

American achievement provides products that forever mark the special moments of people's lives. As the parent company of brands such as ArtCarved®, Balfour®, Keepsake® and Taylor Publishing®, American achievement's legacy is based upon the delivery of exceptional, innovative products, including class rings, yearbooks, graduation products, achievement publications and affinity jewelry through in-school and retail distribution. American achievement's products are available through a variety of distribution methods, including direct sales to students in high schools and colleges, national jewelry retailers, independent jewelry stores and mass merchandisers.  For more information on American achievement, please visit the company's web site at www.balfour.com.

Media Contacts

Brooke Gordon / Zachary Tramonti
Sard Verbinnen & Co
(212) 687-8080

SOURCE American Achievement Corporation

Related Links

http://www.balfour.com