About
KKA partners with Management in a buyout of BLACKROLL and appoints new CEO
Bottighofen, Switzerland, January 31, 2025. BLACKROLL, a global leader in innovative health and recovery products, today announced a major milestone in its growth journey: a management buyout (MBO) led by private equity firm KKA Partners. This strategic move, following a record-breaking 2024, sets the stage for the company’s next phase of growth, innovation, and global expansion.
As part of this new chapter, BLACKROLL has appointed internationally acclaimed growth and digital transformation leader Scott Zalaznik—formerly Chief Digital Officer at Adidas — as its new Chief Executive Officer. Founder Marius Keckeisen will transition to Chief Innovation Officer, where he will focus on product development, while also serving as Chairman of the Board. The newly structured management team will include Zalaznik, Keckeisen, and current executives Thomas Viegener and Andreas Mauch.
Partnership with KKA Partners to Drive Strategic Vision
BLACKROLL’s collaboration with KKA Partners signals a shared commitment to scaling the brand’s mission of promoting healthier, more active lifestyles.
“We are thrilled to partner with KKA, whose deep expertise, network, and alignment with our culture will empower us to expand our product range and set new benchmarks in the industry,” said Marius Keckeisen, BLACKROLL’s founder.
Scott Zalaznik Joins to Accelerate Digital and Global Growth
Zalaznik brings a wealth of experience in omni-channel strategy, digital transformation, and data-driven growth—critical to BLACKROLL’s ambitions.
“Scott’s leadership and expertise will help solidify BLACKROLL’s position as a digitally connected, customer-centric brand,” Keckeisen added. “His vision perfectly complements our strategy to innovate and expand our global footprint.”
For Zalaznik, joining BLACKROLL represents both a professional and personal opportunity. “BLACKROLL is a pioneer in health and sports recovery, with a premium brand, high-quality products, and a passionate team,” said Zalaznik. “I’m excited to build on this success and help shape the future of the brand.”
Scott Zalaznik and Marius Keckeisen (from left) lead BLACKROLL into the future. Picture: BLACKROLL
Strong Foundation for the Future
The MBO and leadership changes underscore BLACKROLL’s stability and readiness to scale. Supported by KKA Partners and its experienced leadership team, BLACKROLL aims to:
Launch new products for active and passive recovery
Introduce innovative digital services
Strengthen its ecosystem of customers, brand ambassadors, and communities
Expand further into international markets
About BLACKROLL
Founded in 2007 by Jürgen Dürr, BLACKROLL has become a global market leader in recovery and movement products. With tools and concepts designed to enhance fitness, recovery, and sleep, the brand supports the well-being of people in more than 57 countries. Collaborating closely with experts in sports science, physiotherapy, and medicine, BLACKROLL is committed to delivering high-quality, effective solutions. Sustainability and social responsibility remain central to its mission, bringing a new dimension to movement and recovery.