Exhibit 99.1
ASHWORTH, INC. NAMES WINSTON E. HICKMAN CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
CARLSBAD,
Calif. Feb. 27, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) Ashworth, Inc.
(ASHW), a leading designer of
golf-inspired lifestyle sportswear, today announced that Winston E. Hickman has been appointed
executive vice president and chief financial officer, effective February 23, 2006. In this role,
Mr. Hickman will be a key member of Ashworths Executive management team with responsibility for
all finance, administrative and IT related functions. He will report directly to Randall L.
Herrel, Sr., Ashworths chairman, president and chief executive officer.
Mr. Herrel stated, Winston is a highly regarded professional with a successful career that
encompasses all facets of finance at public and private corporations across a broad range of
industries, including apparel. He brings strong financial and operational skills to this position
and I am confident that his extensive financial expertise and proven leadership capabilities will
be invaluable as we continue to explore strategic alternatives to enhance shareholder value and
execute on our strategy to improve the companys operational and financial performance.
Mr. Hickman most recently served as executive vice president and chief financial officer of REMEC,
Inc., a NASDAQ-listed designer and manufacturer of advanced wireless subsystems used in commercial
and defense communications applications. At REMEC, he served as a member of the executive
management team and played an integral role in the successful strategic sale of the company via a
series of asset sale transactions, the last of which occurred in September 2005. Mr. Hickman
joined REMEC in 2003 from privately-held Paradigm Wireless System, Inc. where, beginning in 2000,
he was an investor, chief financial officer and a member of the board of directors. He played a
key role in the successful sale of the company to REMEC.
Mr. Hickman has also served as board member, chief financial officer, and financial advisor to a
number of public and private companies. Mr. Hickman served as chief financial officer of Pacific
Scientific Company, a NYSE-listed company with sales in excess of $300 million, where he provided
the financial leadership for the companys financial turnaround and successful strategic sale
following a hostile takeover bid. Prior to Pacific Scientific, he held senior financial positions
at Rockwell International, Allied-Signal, and Vans, Inc. He currently serves as a member of the
board of directors of SRS Labs, Inc., a NASDAQ-listed company, where he is Chairman of the Audit
Committee.
Mr. Hickman, 63, holds an M.B.A. from the University of Southern California and a B.A. from
California State University, Long Beach.
About Ashworth, Inc.
Ashworth, Inc. is a designer of mens and womens golf-inspired lifestyle sportswear distributed
domestically and internationally in golf pro shops, resorts, upscale department and specialty
stores and to corporate customers. Ashworth products include three main brand extensions. Ashworth
Collection (TM) is a range of upscale sportswear designed to be worn on and off course. Ashworth
Authentics (TM) showcases popular items from the Ashworth line. Ashworth
Weather Systems(R) utilizes technology to create a balance between fashion and function in a
variety of climatic conditions. Callaway Golf is a trademark of Callaway Golf Company. Ashworth,
Inc., 2765 Loker Avenue West, Carlsbad, CA 92008 is an Official Licensee of Callaway Golf Company.
In July 2004, Ashworth, Inc. acquired Gekko Brands, LLC (Gekko), a leading designer, producer and
distributor of headwear and apparel under The Game(R) and Kudzu(R) brands. This strategic
acquisition provides opportunity for additional growth in three new, quality channels of
distribution for the Ashworth(R) and Callaway Golf apparel brands as well as further growth from
The Game(R) and Kudzu(R) brands sales into the Companys three current distribution channels. The
Game(R) brand products are marketed primarily under licenses to over 1,000 colleges and
universities, as well as to the PGA TOUR, resorts, entertainment complexes and sporting goods
dealers that serve the high school and college markets. The Game(R) brand is one of the leading
headwear brands in the College/Bookstore distribution channel. The Kudzu(R) brand products are sold
into the NASCAR/racing markets and through outdoor sports distribution channels, including fishing
and hunting.
To learn more, please visit our Web site at www.ashworthinc.com.
SOURCE: Ashworth, Inc.
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