ST. PAUL, Minn., Jan. 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Gander Mountain Company (Nasdaq: GMTN), the nation's largest retail network of stores for hunting, fishing, boating, camping, marine and outdoor lifestyle apparel, products and services, today announced that its board of directors has named Michael Owens to serve as executive vice president and chief operating officer and Steven Uline to serve as senior vice president of marketing.

Mr. Owens is a 27-year veteran of Anheuser-Busch, where he led efforts to expand the company's product offerings. He most recently served as Anheuser-Busch's vice president of business operations, which required him to lead the company's $6 billion procurement materials program and other finance and planning matters. Previously, Mr. Owens served as Anheuser-Busch's vice president of sales and marketing.

Mr. Uline worked for Anheuser-Busch for 24 years, where he distinguished himself in the company's marketing group. Mr. Uline most recently served as the company's vice president of geographic marketing, field media and special event marketing. He was responsible for local marketing in the company's largest beer markets and was involved in national marketing efforts. Prior to that he directed the company's sports marketing. Mr. Owens and Mr. Uline are both avid outdoorsmen.

'Mike Owens and Steve Uline are proven leaders with a track record of driving business growth and brand awareness,' said David Pratt, Gander Mountain's interim chief executive officer and chairman of the board. 'They both understand our 'We Live Outdoors' culture and we are excited to have them join Gander Mountain. Mike and Steve will be instrumental to our continued progress.'

Mr. Owens' and Mr. Uline's responsibilities begin immediately.

Gander Mountain also today announced the promotion of two current members of management. Eric Jacobsen has been promoted to executive vice president, general counsel and secretary, and Casey Ramm has been promoted to senior vice president of merchandising. Mr. Jacobsen joined Gander Mountain in 2005 as senior vice president, general counsel and secretary, and will now be responsible for all legal, human resources, real estate, regulatory compliance and loss prevention matters. Mr.