SPRINGFIELD, MA. – It is with great sadness that Smith & Wesson announces, former CEO and longtime board member Michael F. Golden, passed away unexpectedly on June 5th, 2023. Mike was a pivotal member of the Smith & Wesson family for many years and served as President and Chief Executive Officer from November 2004, until September 2011 and remained Co-Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors until present day.

“Mike has been an integral part of our Smith & Wesson family for nearly 20 years, and he will be dearly missed by all who knew him. He will be fondly remembered as a beloved leader, a champion for our employees, a passionate advocate of the industry, an ambassador for our iconic brand, and most importantly – a faithful, good, honest man, and friend.”, said Mark Smith – President & CEO.

Prior to his years with Smith & Wesson, Michael served as President of the Cabinetry Division at Kohler Company, President of the Industrial & Construction group at the Stanley Works Company, and VP of Sales Marketing for a division of Black and Decker. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from Pennsylvania State University and was an MBA graduate of Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia.

Chairman of the Board Robert Scott commented, “Mike’s leadership, dedication, and service to Smith & Wesson across almost two decades have had tremendous impact on the company’s continuing success today. Mike has been a confidant, ally, and friend to so many of us not just at Smith & Wesson but across our industry, and he will be dearly missed.”

Smith & Wesson asks that you keep the Golden family in your thoughts as they go through this difficult time. Services will be held at St Clare of Assisi Catholic Church, located at 225 Seven Farms Drive in Daniel Island, South Carolina on Friday, June 9th at 1:00 pm.