Tom Koos Named Chief Executive Officer of Weber-Stephen Products LLC

PALATINE, Ill., March 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Weber-Stephen Products LLC, the world's leading manufacturer of charcoal and gas grills, announced today that Thomas Koos will join Weber as Chief Executive Officer, effective April 1, 2013.

Mr. Koos brings more than 20 years of marketing and management experience with consumer durable products, most recently at Jacuzzi Brands Corporation where he served as president and CEO. Current Weber-Stephen President and CEO Jim Stephen will become Executive Chairman of the company.

"Tom's global business experience, passion for building brands and deep knowledge of our distribution channels makes him a great fit for Weber," said Jim Stephen. "I look forward to working with Tom and our team at Weber as we continue to expand and promote our strong brand around the world."

"I am honored and excited to join the Weber team, a global barbecue pioneer and one of America's most recognized and trusted brands," said Tom Koos. "I am committed to continuing the tradition of delivering high quality products and customer service that the world has come to expect from Weber."

Mr. Koos joins Weber after nearly six years at Jacuzzi Brands Corporation. At Jacuzzi, Koos had full strategic and operating responsibility for the company and all of its global operations. In addition, he developed and implemented several consumer marketing programs, revitalized research and development, and revamped customer service. Prior to his work at Jacuzzi, Mr. Koos held senior positions at Black & Decker and Newell Rubbermaid.

BDT Capital Partners, LLC owns a majority interest in Weber-Stephen Products LLC through a partnership with the Stephen family.

About Weber
Weber-Stephen Products LLC, headquartered in Palatine, Ill., is the world's premier manufacturer of charcoal, gas and electric grills, grilling accessories and other outdoor room products. In 1952, founder George Stephen sparked a backyard revolution with his invention of the Weber^® kettle. More than 60 years later, the privately-held company remains the industry leader with its Weber^®, Weber^® Q^®, and Ducane^® brands. As a leading exporter of grills, Weber brand products are sold worldwide at select home centers, hardware stores, department stores, patio stores, and other retail outlets. Weber has the strongest consumer outreach program in the industry with its Weber Grill-Line^SM (1-800-GRILL-OUT^®); Weber's On The Grill^™ mobile application; and a content-rich website with grilling tips, techniques, and original Weber recipes at www.weber.com^®.  Weber can also be followed on Facebook (www.facebook.com/weberbbq) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/webergrills).

About BDT Capital Partners, LLC
BDT Capital Partners provides family-owned and entrepreneurially led companies with long-term capital, solutions-based advice and access to an extensive network of world-class family businesses. Based in Chicago, BDT Capital Partners is a merchant bank structured to provide advice and capital that address the unique needs of closely held businesses. The firm has a $3 billion investment fund as well as an investor base with the ability to co-invest significant additional capital. Through its advisory business, BDT & Company works with family businesses to pursue their long-term strategic and financial objectives.

SOURCE Weber-Stephen Products LLC