BLACKROLL® starts a new chapter

BLACKROLL starts a new chapter: Management buy-out and new CEO drive strategic vision forward

As a leading provider of innovative health and regeneration products, we are pleased to announce a further milestone in the history of BLACKROLL® after a very successful year: As part of a management buy-out (MBO), BLACKROLL® is joining forces with the private equity investor KKA Partners. At the same time, Scott Zalaznik, an internationally experienced growth, transformation and digitization expert, will take over the role of CEO. In addition to Scott, the management team will consist of founder Marius Keckeisen and the existing management team members Thomas Viegener and Andreas Mauch. This development marks the beginning of a new chapter for us, one that will accelerate our strategic vision and take BLACKROLL® to the next level.

Scott Zalaznik and Marius Keckeisen (from left) are leading BLACKROLL® into the future.

KKA Partners: a special partner for a special vision

With a focus on sustainable partnerships and targeted strategic support, as well as a passion for innovative companies, KKA Partners maintains an exclusive selection of investments – and we are now one of them.

“In KKA Partners, we have found a partner that not only believes in our strategy and corporate culture, but also shares our vision of helping people to live healthier, more active and more productive lives.“

says Marius Keckeisen, founder of BLACKROLL AG. “Their expertise, network and support will enable us to continue to drive our growth in a focused manner and set new standards.”

New CEO brings strategic impetus

In the course of the MBO process, we were able to secure another major win: Scott Zalaznik, former Chief Digital Officer at adidas and a proven expert in omni-channel growth and digital transformation, got to know BLACKROLL® alongside KKA Partners and quickly became enthusiastic about our brand, products, purpose and corporate culture. “Scott Zalaznik not only brings in-depth expertise, but also shares our clear vision for the future of BLACKROLL®. He is the ideal person to drive our digital offensive and data-driven strategy,” explains Marius Keckeisen.

Scott Zalaznik, the new BLACKROLL® CEO, comments: “I am very much looking forward to becoming part of the BLACKROLL® family. This fulfills my personal dream of becoming an entrepreneur again.

BLACKROLL® has established itself as an innovator in the health and sports industry, and I am impressed by the premium brand, the excellent brand and retail partners, the outstanding products and, last but not least, by Marius and the team with their passion, culture and innovative strength. Together we will continue to write the success story."

A strong foundation for future growth

The MBO and change of CEO not only signal the beginning of a new chapter, but also underscore the strength and stability of our brand.
The long-standing leadership team will work closely with the new investors, Scott Zalaznik and former CEO Marius Keckeisen, who is now taking on the roles of Chief Innovation Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors as a new member of the management team, to help realize our ambitious goals. In addition to further expansion into international markets, the focus is on product innovations in the area of active and passive regeneration, new digital offerings and the strengthening of the ecosystem of community, customers, ambassadors and the brand.

About BLACKROLL®

BLACKROLL®, founded in 2007 by Jürgen Dürr, has established itself as the global market leader in innovative recovery and movement products. In 2013, BLACKROLL AG was founded by Jürgen Dürr and Marius Keckeisen as CEO to drive the company's growth and internationalization.
Through quality, innovation and a clear purpose, BLACKROLL® has established itself as a leading “regeneration brand” and the generic term “BLACKROLL”. With a comprehensive range of tools and concepts for fitness, recovery and sleep, the products promote well-being, regeneration and performance in over 57 countries.
Close collaboration with experts in sports science, physiotherapy and medicine guarantees the highest quality and effectiveness. In addition, thousands of trained coaches worldwide have the know-how to teach how to use the products effectively. Sustainability and social responsibility shape our values, which is reflected in environmentally friendly production and fair treatment of partners and customers.
BLACKROLL® gives movement, recovery and sleep a new dimension.

About KKA

KKA Partners was founded in 2018 and is a Berlin-based private equity firm investing in leading medium-sized companies in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
The founding partners have a deep-rooted family and professional connection to the medium-sized business sector, which they have developed over 20 years of close cooperation with medium-sized companies.
KKA helps growth-oriented companies realize their full potential by combining operational excellence and proprietary, technology-driven value driver strategies. Leading investors worldwide, including the European Investment Fund (“EIF”), entrust the KKA team with their capital. This transaction also receives support from the European Union under the InvestEU Fund.

We look forward to a shared future with KKA and Scott in the BLACKROLL® family!