Sporty’s Wolf retires
Sporty’s, a well-known supplier of aviation products and flight training programs, announced that its CEO, Michael Wolf, will retire at the end of this year, and John Zimmerman, the Batavia, Ohio, company’s president, will succeed him.
“Michael has been instrumental in shaping Sporty’s into the industry leader it is today,” said Zimmerman. “His vision and commitment to excellence, along with his love for aviation, have left an indelible mark on our company.”
During his tenure, Wolf presided over initiatives aimed at expanding the company while promoting aviation and flight training. He has also been a major supporter of programs such as the Experimental Aircraft Association’s Young Eagles and personally has flown with more than 250 Young Eagles members.
Wolf’s career with Sporty’s began in 1972 while he was still in high school. He moved up the corporate ladder, eventually serving as executive vice president and chief operating officer before taking charge as CEO in 2008.
“It has been an honor and privilege to lead Sporty’s during a period of such dynamic growth and innovation,” said Wolf. “I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together and confident that Sporty’s is well-positioned for success under the leadership of John Zimmerman.”
While he has been a pilot for more than 40 years and has flown many types of aircraft, Wolf has a particular fondness for flying the 1963 Piper Aztec that has come to be known as the company’s mascot. Wolf is the captain and chief pilot of the Sporty’s corporate flight department. He has “built a strong team of employees who are well-positioned to lead Sporty’s into its next phase of expansion and leadership in the aviation industry,” the company said.
