James Debney

The parent of gunmaker Smith & Wesson has replaced its chief executive following misconduct allegations. American Outdoor Brands, which owns an array of shooting, hunting and outdoor brands, said in a statement Wednesday January 15 2020 that its board of directors found that James Debney had “engaged in conduct inconsistent with a nonfinancial company policy.” Debney had been at the helm of American Outdoor and its predecessor company since 2011, expanding its portfolio through a slew of acquisitions. American Outdoor named Mark Smith and Brian Murphy as joint CEOs. Smith has been president of the company’s manufacturing services unit while Murphy sat at the top of the outdoor products and accessories division, the company said. After the company splits, Murphy will lead the outdoor business, and Smith will take over the gun operation.