UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Filed by Registrant x

Filed by a Party other than the Registrant ¨

Check the appropriate box:

BLACK DIAMOND, INC.

(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)

Payment of filing fee (Check the appropriate box):

BLACK DIAMOND, INC.

2084 East 3900 South

Salt Lake City, UT 84124

April 29, 2016

To Our Stockholders:

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Black Diamond, Inc., I cordially invite you to attend the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on June 8, 2016, at 8:00 a.m., Eastern Daylight Savings Time, at the Dolby Screening Room, 1350 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10019.

The accompanying Notice of Meeting and Proxy Statement cover the details of the matters to be presented.

A copy of the 2015 Annual Report is included in this mailing.

REGARDLESS OF WHETHER YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING, I URGE YOU TO VOTE BY COMPLETING AND RETURNING YOUR PROXY CARD AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT AND WILL BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. RETURNING YOUR PROXY CARD WILL ENSURE THAT YOUR VOTE IS COUNTED IF YOU LATER DECIDE NOT TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING.

BLACK DIAMOND, INC.

Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders

To Be Held on June 8, 2016

To Our Stockholders:

You are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting of Stockholders, and any adjournments or postponements thereof (the “Meeting”), of Black Diamond, Inc. (the “Company” or “Black Diamond”), which will be held on June 8, 2016, at 8:00 a.m., Eastern Daylight Savings Time, at the Dolby Screening Room, 1350 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10019, for the following purposes:

1.           To elect the five nominees named in the accompanying Proxy Statement to serve on the Board of Directors until the next Annual Meeting of Stockholders and until their successors are duly elected and qualified (Proposal 1);

2.           To ratify the appointment of KPMG LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2016 (Proposal 2); and

3.           To transact such other business as may properly come before the Meeting, including to consider any procedural matters incident to the conduct of the Meeting, such as the postponement of the Meeting in order to solicit additional proxies to vote in favor of the matters presented at the Meeting.

Stockholders of record at the close of business on April 29, 2016, are entitled to notice of and to vote at the Meeting.

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Stockholders Meeting to Be Held on June 8, 2016: This Proxy Statement and form of proxy card, along with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, are available at www.blackdiamond-inc.com.

YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT. PLEASE SIGN AND DATE THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD AND RETURN IT PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED RETURN ENVELOPE, WHETHER OR NOT YOU EXPECT TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING. RETURNING YOUR PROXY CARD WILL ENSURE THAT YOUR VOTE IS COUNTED IF YOU LATER DECIDE NOT TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING.

BLACK DIAMOND, INC.

2084 East 3900 South

Salt Lake City, UT 84124

ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

TO BE HELD ON

JUNE 8, 2016

INTRODUCTION

Proxy Solicitation and General Information

This Proxy Statement and the enclosed form of proxy card (the “Proxy Card”) are being furnished to the holders of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of Black Diamond, Inc., a Delaware corporation (which is sometimes referred to in this Proxy Statement as “Black Diamond,” the “Company,” “we,” “our” or “us”), in connection with the solicitation of proxies by our Board of Directors for use at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on June 8, 2016, at 8:00 a.m., Eastern Daylight Savings Time, at the Dolby Screening Room, 1350 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10019 and at any adjournments or postponements thereof (the “Meeting”). This Proxy Statement and the Proxy Card are first being sent to stockholders on or about May 4, 2016.

At the Meeting, stockholders will be asked:

1.           To elect the five nominees named in the accompanying Proxy Statement to serve on the Board of Directors until the next Annual Meeting of Stockholders and until their successors are duly elected and qualified (Proposal 1);

2.           To ratify the appointment of KPMG LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2016 (Proposal 2); and

3.           To transact such other business as may properly come before the Meeting, including to consider any procedural matters incident to the conduct of the Meeting, such as the postponement of the Meeting in order to solicit additional proxies to vote in favor of the matters presented at the Meeting.

The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on April 29, 2016, as the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the Meeting. Each such stockholder will be entitled to one vote for each share of common stock held on all matters to come before the Meeting and may vote in person or by proxy authorized in writing.

Proxies and Voting

Stockholders are requested to complete, sign, date and promptly return the enclosed Proxy Card in the enclosed envelope. Proxy Cards which are not revoked will be voted at the Meeting in accordance with instructions contained therein.

If a Proxy Card is signed and returned without instructions, the shares will be voted FOR the election of each nominee for director named in this Proxy Statement (Proposal 1) and FOR the ratification of the appointment of KPMG LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2016 (Proposal 2).

Voting

Most beneficial owners whose stock is held in street name do not receive the Proxy Card. Instead, they receive voting instruction forms or proxy ballots from their bank, broker or other agent. Beneficial owners should follow the instructions on the voter instruction form or proxy ballot they receive from their bank, broker or other agent.

Our Board of Directors has selected Warren B. Kanders and Robert R. Schiller, and each of them, to serve as “Proxyholders” for the Meeting. Proxy Cards which are not revoked will be voted at the Meeting in accordance with instructions contained therein.

Revocation of Proxy

A stockholder who so desires may revoke its previously submitted Proxy Card at any time before it is voted at the Meeting by: (i) delivering written notice to us at Black Diamond, Inc., 2084 East 3900 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84124, c/o Aaron J. Kuehne, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer; (ii) duly executing and delivering a Proxy Card bearing a later date; or (iii) casting a ballot at the Meeting. Attendance at the Meeting will not in and of itself constitute a revocation of a proxy.

Voting on Other Matters

The Board of Directors knows of no other matters that are to be brought before the Meeting other than as set forth in the Notice of Meeting. If any other matters properly come before the Meeting, the persons named in the enclosed Proxy Card or their substitutes will vote in accordance with their best judgment on such matters.

Record Date; Shares Outstanding and Entitled to Vote

Only stockholders as of the close of business on April 29, 2016 (the “Record Date”), are entitled to notice of and to vote at the Meeting. As of the Record Date, there were 30,847,056 shares of our common stock outstanding and entitled to vote, with each share entitled to one vote. See “Beneficial Ownership of Company Common Stock By Directors, Officers and Principal Stockholders” for information regarding the beneficial ownership of our common stock by our current directors, executive officers and stockholders known to us to beneficially own five percent (5%) or more of our common stock.

Quorum; Required Votes

The presence at the Meeting, in person or by duly authorized proxy, of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock entitled to vote constitutes a quorum for this Meeting.

Abstentions and “broker non-votes” are counted as present for purposes of determining whether a quorum exists. A “broker non-vote” occurs when a nominee such as a bank, broker or other agent holding shares for a beneficial owner does not vote on a particular proposal because the nominee does not have discretionary voting power with respect to that proposal and has not received voting instructions from the beneficial owner.

Under the rules of various national and regional securities exchanges, nominees have such discretion to vote absent instructions with respect to certain “routine” matters, such as Proposal 2, the ratification of independent auditors, but not with respect to matters that are considered “non-routine,” such as the election of directors. Accordingly, without voting instructions from you, your broker will not be able to vote your shares on Proposal 1.

Each share of Black Diamond common stock entitles the holder to one vote on each matter presented for stockholder action. The affirmative vote of a plurality of the votes cast in person or represented by proxy at the Meeting is necessary for the election of the five nominees named in this Proxy Statement (Proposal 1). The affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of common stock present in person or represented by proxy at the Meeting is necessary for the ratification of the appointment of KPMG LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2016 (Proposal 2).

Since the affirmative vote of a plurality of votes cast in person or represented by proxy at the Meeting is required for Proposal 1, abstentions and “broker non-votes” will have no effect on the outcome of such election. Since the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of common stock present in person or represented by proxy at the Meeting is necessary for the approval of Proposal 2, abstentions will have the same effect as a negative vote, but “broker non-votes” will have no effect on the outcome of the voting for Proposal 2.

An inspector of elections appointed by us will tabulate votes at the Meeting.

Proxy Solicitation; Expenses

Black Diamond will bear the costs of the solicitation of proxies for the Meeting. Our directors, officers and employees may solicit proxies from stockholders by mail, telephone, telegram, e-mail, personal interview or otherwise. Such directors, officers and employees will not receive additional compensation but may be reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses in connection with such solicitation. Brokers, nominees, fiduciaries and other custodians have been requested to forward soliciting material to the beneficial owners of our common stock held of record by them and such parties will be reimbursed for their reasonable expenses.

List of Stockholders

In accordance with the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”), a list of stockholders entitled to vote at the Meeting will be available at the Meeting and for ten days prior to the Meeting, for any purpose germane to the Meeting, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., local time, at our offices at 2084 East 3900 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84124.

Voting Confidentiality

Proxy Cards, ballots and voting tabulations are handled on a confidential basis to protect your voting privacy. This information will not be disclosed to unrelated third parties except as required by law.

Appraisal Rights

Stockholders will have no rights of appraisal under the DGCL in connection with the proposals to be considered at the Meeting.

IT IS DESIRABLE THAT AS LARGE A PROPORTION AS POSSIBLE OF THE STOCKHOLDERS’ INTERESTS BE REPRESENTED AT THE MEETING. THEREFORE, EVEN IF YOU INTEND TO BE PRESENT AT THE MEETING, PLEASE SIGN AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD TO ENSURE THAT YOUR STOCK WILL BE REPRESENTED. IF YOU ARE PRESENT AT THE MEETING AND DESIRE TO DO SO, YOU MAY WITHDRAW YOUR PROXY CARD AND VOTE IN PERSON BY GIVING WRITTEN NOTICE TO THE SECRETARY OF THE COMPANY. YOUR PRESENCE AT THE MEETING WILL NOT AUTOMATICALLY REVOKE YOUR PROXY CARD. PLEASE RETURN YOUR EXECUTED PROXY CARD PROMPTLY.

BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF COMPANY COMMON STOCK BY

DIRECTORS, OFFICERS AND PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS

The following table sets forth, as of April 29, 2016, certain information regarding the beneficial ownership of the common stock outstanding by (i) each person known to us to own or control five percent (5%) or more of our common stock, (ii) each of our current directors and nominees, (iii) each of our current “Named Executive Officers” (as defined in Item 402(a)(3) of Regulation S-K), set forth in the summary compensation table on page 21 and (iv) our current Named Executive Officers and directors and nominees as a group. Unless otherwise indicated, each person named in the table below has sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares beneficially owned. Unless otherwise indicated, the address of each person named in the table below is c/o Black Diamond, Inc., 2084 East 3900 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84124.

(7 persons)

* Denotes less than one percent.

We are not aware of any material proceedings to which any of our directors, nominees for director, executive officers, affiliates of the foregoing persons or any security holder, including any owner of record or beneficially of more than five percent (5%) of any class of our voting securities, is a party adverse to us or has a material interest adverse to us.

PROPOSAL 1

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

Our Bylaws provide that our Board of Directors will consist of not less than three, nor more than seven members, with such number to be fixed by the Board of Directors. The number of directors has been fixed at five by the Board of Directors. Our Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee and our Board of Directors have selected the five nominees for directors that are listed in this Proxy Statement for election at the Meeting.

Our directors are elected annually at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Their respective terms of office continue until the next Annual Meeting of Stockholders and until their successors have been duly elected and qualified in accordance with our Bylaws. There are no family relationships among any of our directors, nominees for director or executive officers.

Except as otherwise specified or in the case of broker non-votes, each Proxy Card received will be voted for the election of the five nominees for director named below to serve until the next Annual Meeting of Stockholders and until their successors shall have been duly elected and qualified. Each of the nominees named below has been nominated by the Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee of the Board of Directors and has consented to be named a nominee in this Proxy Statement and to serve as a director, if elected. Should any nominee become unable or unwilling to accept a nomination for election, the persons named in the enclosed Proxy Card will vote for the election of a nominee designated by the Board of Directors or will vote for such lesser number of directors as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors in accordance with our Bylaws.

When considering whether directors and nominees have the experience, qualifications, attributes and skills, taken as a whole, to enable the Board of Directors to satisfy its oversight responsibilities effectively in light of the Company’s business and structure, the Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee and the Board of Directors focused primarily on the information discussed in each of the nominee’s individual biographies set forth below, which contains information regarding the person’s service as a director, business experience and director positions held currently or at any time during the last five years.

The age and principal occupation for the past five years of each person nominated as a director is set forth below:

Warren B. Kanders, 58, our Executive Chairman, has served as one of our directors since June 2002 and as Executive Chairman of our Board of Directors since December 2002. Since 1990, Mr. Kanders has served as the President of Kanders & Company, Inc. (“Kanders & Co.”), a private investment firm principally owned and controlled by Mr. Kanders, that makes investments in and provides consulting services to public and private entities. From January 1996 until its sale to BAE Systems plc (“BAE Systems”) on July 31, 2007, Mr. Kanders served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors, and as the Chief Executive Officer from April 2003, of Armor Holdings, Inc. (“Armor Holdings”), formerly a New York Stock Exchange-listed company and a manufacturer and supplier of military vehicles, armored vehicles and safety and survivability products and systems to the aerospace and defense, public safety, homeland security and commercial markets. Since 2012, Mr. Kanders has served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors and as the Chief Executive Officer of Maui Acquisition Corp., the sole equity owner of Safariland, LLC, a manufacturer and supplier of safety and survivability products to the public safety, homeland security and commercial markets. Mr. Kanders graduated with an A.B. degree in Economics from Brown University. Mr. Kanders also serves on the board of trustees of the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Winston Churchill Foundation and the Hospital for Special Surgery, and is a member of the Advisory Council of The Institute at Brown for Environment and Society. Mr. Kanders also was a former trustee of the Choate Rosemary Hall School. Based upon Mr. Kanders’ role as Executive Chairman of the Company, service as a chairman and a director of a wide range of other public companies, financial background and education, as well as his extensive investment, capital raising, acquisition and operating expertise, the Company believes that Mr. Kanders has the requisite set of skills to serve as a Board member of the Company.

Robert R. Schiller, 53, has served as our Executive Vice Chairman since May 2010. Mr. Schiller served as Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Gregory Mountain Products from March 2008 until May 2010. From July 1996 until its sale to BAE Systems on July 31, 2007, Mr. Schiller served in a variety of capacities at Armor Holdings, including as a Director from June 2005, President from January 2004, Chief Operating Officer from April 2003, and Chief Financial Officer and Secretary from November 2000 to March 2004. Mr. Schiller graduated with a B.A. in Economics from Emory University in 1985 and received an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School in 1991. Based upon Mr. Schiller’s role as Executive Vice Chairman of the Company as well as his extensive experience as an executive officer and director, together with his educational experience and his extensive operational, acquisition, corporate governance, financial and transactional expertise, the Company believes that Mr. Schiller has the requisite set of skills to serve as a Board member of the Company.

Donald L. House, 74, has served as one of our directors since January 1993. Mr. House served as Chairman of our Board of Directors from January 1994 until December 1997 and as our President from January 1993 until December 1993. Mr. House also served as a member of the Board of Directors of Carreker Corporation from May 1998 until March 2007. Mr. House is a private investor and he serves on the board of directors as well as the Chairman and Co-Chairman of several privately-held companies. Mr. House graduated with B.S. and M.S. degrees from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Based upon Mr. House’s role as the Chairman of the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors, prior experience as a chairman and an executive officer of companies in a variety of industries, financial expertise and extensive experience serving as a member of the boards of directors and committees of other public companies, the Company believes that Mr. House has the requisite set of skills to serve as a Board or Board committee member of the Company.

Nicholas Sokolow, 66, has served as one of our directors since June 2002. From January 1996 until its sale to BAE Systems on July 31, 2007, Mr. Sokolow served as a member of the Board of Directors of Armor Holdings. Mr. Sokolow served as a member of the Board of Directors of Stamford Industrial Group, Inc. from October 2006 until September 2009. From 2007 until December 31, 2014, Mr. Sokolow practiced law at the firm of Lebow & Sokolow LLP. From 1994 to 2007, Mr. Sokolow was a partner at the law firm of Sokolow, Carreras & Partners. From June 1973 until October 1994, Mr. Sokolow was an associate and partner at the law firm of Coudert Brothers. Mr. Sokolow graduated with Economics and Finance degrees from the Institut D’Etudes Politiques, a Law degree from the Faculte de Droit and a Masters of Comparative Law degree from the University of Michigan. Mr. Sokolow is also an honorary member of the French Bar. Based upon Mr. Sokolow’s role as the Chairman of the Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors, education, legal background involving mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance expertise and extensive experience serving as a member of the boards of directors and committees of other public companies, the Company believes that Mr. Sokolow has the requisite set of skills to serve as a Board or Board committee member of the Company.

Michael A. Henning, 75, has served as one of our directors since May 2010. Mr. Henning served as a director and the Chairman of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of Highlands Acquisition Corp. from May 2007 until September 2009. From 2000 to May 2015, Mr. Henning had served as the Chairman of the Audit Committee and member of the Compensation Committee, and had previously served as the Vice Chairman of the Finance Committee, of the Board of Directors of CTS Corporation, a NYSE-listed company that provides electronic components to auto, wireless and PC businesses. In December 2002, he joined the Board of Directors of Omnicom Group Inc., a global communications company, where he also serves on the Audit Committee and the Compensation Committee. Mr. Henning is also a member of the Board of Directors, and serves on the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, of Landstar System, Inc., a NASDAQ-listed transportation and logistics services company. Mr. Henning retired as Deputy Chairman from Ernst & Young in 2000 after forty years with the firm. Mr. Henning was the inaugural Chief Executive Officer of Ernst & Young International, serving from 1993 to 1999. From 1991 to 1993, he served as Vice Chairman of Tax Services at Ernst & Young. Mr. Henning was also the Managing Partner of the firm’s New York office, from 1985 to 1991, and the Partner in charge of International Tax Services, from 1978 to 1985. From 1994 to 2000, Mr. Henning served as a Co-Chairman of the Foreign Investment Advisory Board of Russia, where he co-chaired a panel of 25 chief executive officers from the G-7 countries who advised the Russian government in adopting international accounting and tax standards. Mr. Henning graduated with a B.B.A. degree from St. Francis College and received a Certificate from the Harvard University Advanced Management Program. Mr. Henning is a Certified Public Accountant. Based upon Mr. Henning’s role as the Chairman of the Audit Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors, his accounting and financial expertise and extensive experience serving as a member of the boards of directors and committees of other public companies, the Company believes that Mr. Henning has the requisite set of skills to serve as a Board or Board committee member of the Company.

The affirmative vote of a plurality of the votes cast in person or by proxy at the Meeting is necessary for the election as directors of the five nominees named in this Proxy Statement (assuming a quorum of a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock is present).

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT STOCKHOLDERS VOTE FOR EACH OF THE
ABOVE-NAMED DIRECTOR NOMINEES.

GOVERNANCE OF THE COMPANY

Corporate Governance

Our Board of Directors is committed to sound and effective corporate governance practices. The Company’s management and our Board of Directors reviewed our corporate governance practices in light of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Based on that review, the Board of Directors maintains codes of ethics and conduct, corporate governance guidelines, committee charters, complaint procedures for accounting and auditing matters and an Audit Committee pre-approval policy. The Company is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market (“NASDAQ”), and therefore, it has modeled its corporate governance practices after the listing requirements of NASDAQ.

Corporate Governance Guidelines and Documents

The Code of Ethics for Senior Executive and Financial Officers, the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for Directors, Officers and Employees, Complaint Procedures for Accounting and Auditing Matters, the Corporate Governance Guidelines, the Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policy, and the Charters of our Audit, Compensation and Nominating/Corporate Governance Committees were adopted by Black Diamond for the purpose of promoting honest and ethical conduct, promoting full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure in periodic reports required to be filed by Black Diamond, and promoting compliance with all applicable rules and regulations that apply to Black Diamond and its officers and directors. Our Codes of Ethics and Conduct, the Complaint Procedures for Accounting and Auditing Matters, the Corporate Governance Guidelines, and the Charters of our Audit, Compensation and Nominating/Corporate Governance Committees are available on our Internet website, at www.blackdiamond-inc.com under the tab “Corporate Governance” within the section called “Investor Relations.” In addition, you may request a copy of any such materials, without charge, by submitting a written request to: Black Diamond, Inc., Attention: Secretary, 2084 East 3900 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84124.

Board of Directors

Our Board of Directors is currently comprised of the following five members: Warren B. Kanders, Michael A. Henning, Donald L. House, Robert R. Schiller and Nicholas Sokolow.

During fiscal 2015, the Board of Directors held 11 meetings and acted by unanimous written consent in lieu of a meeting four times. During fiscal 2015, all of the directors then in office attended 100% of the total number of meetings of the Board of Directors and the Committees of the Board of Directors on which they served. The Company does not have a formal policy as to Board of Directors attendance at our Annual Meetings of Stockholders. All of the members of our Board of Directors attended last year’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders which was held on December 11, 2015.

Board Leadership Structure

The Company believes that board independence is an important aspect of corporate governance and three members of its Board of Directors are independent. In addition, our independent directors hold periodically scheduled meetings, at which only independent directors are present. The Board of Directors believes that this leadership structure is appropriate for our Company, given the size and scope of our business, the experience and active involvement of our independent directors and our corporate governance practices, which include regular communication with and interaction between and among the Chief Financial Officer, the Chief Operating Officer, the Executive Chairman, the Executive Vice Chairman and the independent directors.

Board Role in Risk Oversight

Management is responsible for the day-to-day management of risks the Company faces, while the Board of Directors, as a whole and through its committees, provides risk oversight. In its risk oversight role, the Board of Directors must satisfy itself that the risk management processes designed and implemented by management are adequate and functioning as designed, including assessing major risk factors relating to the Company and its performance, and reviewing measures to address and mitigate risks. While the full Board of Directors is charged with overseeing risk management, various committees of the Board of Directors and members of management also have responsibilities with respect to our risk oversight. In particular, the Audit Committee plays a large role in monitoring and assessing our financial, legal and operational risks, and receives regular reports from the management team regarding comprehensive organizational risk as well as particular areas of concern.

Director Independence

The Board of Directors has evaluated each of its directors’ independence from Black Diamond based on the definition of “independence” established by NASDAQ and has determined that Messrs. Henning, Sokolow and House are independent directors, constituting a majority of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors has also determined that each of the members of our Audit Committee is “independent” for purposes of Section 10A(m)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”).

In its review of each director’s independence from the Company, the Board of Directors reviewed whether any transactions or relationships currently exist or existed during the past year between each director and the Company and its subsidiaries, affiliates, equity investors or independent registered public accounting firm. The Board of Directors also examined whether there were any transactions or relationships between each director and members of the senior management of the Company or their affiliates.

Stockholder Communications

Stockholders may send communications to our Board of Directors or any committee thereof by writing to the Board of Directors or any committee thereof at Black Diamond, Inc., Attention: Secretary, 2084 East 3900 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84124. The Secretary will distribute all stockholder communications to the intended recipients and/or distribute to the entire Board of Directors, as appropriate.

In addition, stockholders may also contact the non-management directors as a group or any individual director by writing to the non-management directors or the individual director, as applicable, at Black Diamond, Inc., 2084 East 3900 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84124.

Complaint Procedures

Complaints and concerns about accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing or related matters pertaining to the Company may be submitted by writing to the Chairman of the Audit Committee as follows: Black Diamond, Inc., Attention: Chairman of the Audit Committee, 2084 East 3900 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84124. Complaints may be submitted on a confidential and anonymous basis by sending them in a sealed envelope marked “Confidential.”

Audit Committee

The Audit Committee is responsible for the oversight and evaluation of (i) the qualifications, independence and performance of our independent auditors; (ii) the performance of our internal audit function; and (iii) the quality and integrity of our financial statements and the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. In addition, the Audit Committee recommends to the Board of Directors the appointment of independent auditors and analyzes the reports and recommendations of such auditors. The Audit Committee also assesses major risk factors relating to the Company and its performance, and reviews measures to address and mitigate financial, legal and operational risks. The committee also prepares the Audit Committee report required by the rules of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), which is included in this Proxy Statement beginning on page 21.

Our Audit Committee is currently comprised of Messrs. Henning, House and Sokolow, with Mr. Henning serving as the Chairman. All of the members of our Audit Committee were determined by the Board of Directors to be independent of Black Diamond based on NASDAQ’s definition of “independence” and are able to read and understand the Company’s fundamental financial statements. The Board of Directors has determined that Mr. Henning qualifies as an audit committee financial expert (as such term is defined under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder) and that his simultaneous service on the audit committees of more than two other public companies does not impair his ability to effectively serve on the Company’s Audit Committee.

The duties of the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors, which are specified in the charter of the Audit Committee, include but are not limited to:

During fiscal 2015, the Audit Committee held four meetings and acted by unanimous written consent in lieu of a meeting two times. The Board of Directors has adopted a written Charter for the Audit Committee, a copy of which is available on our Internet website, at www.blackdiamond-inc.com under the tab “Corporate Governance” within the section called “Investor Relations.”

Compensation Committee

The Compensation Committee reviews recommendations for executive compensation, including incentive compensation and stock incentive plans and makes recommendations to the Board of Directors concerning levels of compensation of our executive officers and other key managerial personnel as well as the adoption of incentive and stock plans. Pursuant to the Compensation Committee’s charter (a copy of which is available on our Internet website, at www.blackdiamond-inc.com under the tab “Corporate Governance” within the section called “Investor Relations”), the Compensation Committee’s authority generally includes, among other things, the authority to do each of the following:

The Compensation Committee has the authority to retain or obtain advice from, as well as determine the appropriate compensation of, such compensation consultants, outside counsel and other advisors as the Compensation Committee, in its sole discretion, may deem appropriate.

Our Compensation Committee is currently comprised of Messrs. House and Sokolow, with Mr. House serving as the Chairman, both of whom were determined by the Board of Directors to be independent of the Company based on NASDAQ’s definition of “independence”. The Compensation Committee does not formally meet on a regular basis, but only as circumstances require. During fiscal 2015, the Compensation Committee held one meeting, acted by unanimous written consent in lieu of a meeting three times, and also held numerous informal discussions.

Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee

The purpose of the Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee is to identify, evaluate and nominate candidates for election to the Board of Directors, as well as review Black Diamond’s corporate governance guidelines and other related documents for compliance with applicable laws and regulations such as the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the NASDAQ listing requirements. The Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee considers all qualified candidates identified by members of the Committee, by other members of the Board of Directors, and by senior management. The Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee will consider nominees recommended by stockholders. Information with respect to a proposed nominee should be forwarded to Black Diamond, Inc., Attention: Secretary, at 2084 East 3900 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84124, and upon receipt, the Secretary will submit them to the Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee for its consideration. Such information shall include the name of the nominee, and such information with respect to the nominee as would be required under the rules and regulations of the SEC to be included in our Proxy Statement if such proposed nominee were to be included therein, as well as a consent executed by the proposed nominee to serve as director if elected as required by the rules and regulations of the SEC. In addition, the stockholder shall include a statement to the effect that the proposed nominee has no direct or indirect business conflict of interest with us, and otherwise meets our standards set forth below. See “Requirements for Submission of Stockholder Proposals, Nomination of Directors and Other Business of Stockholders” for additional information on certain procedures that a stockholder must follow to nominate persons for election as directors.

Our Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee is currently comprised of Messrs. Sokolow and House, with Mr. Sokolow serving as the Chairman, both of whom were determined by the Board of Directors to be independent of the Company based on NASDAQ’s definition of “independence. The Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee does not formally meet on a regular basis, but only as circumstances require. During fiscal 2015, the Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee held four meetings, acted by unanimous written consent in lieu of a meeting two times and held several informal meetings, in person and by telephone, to discuss various topics relevant to its function, including evaluating the composition, structure and qualifications of the Board of Directors. A copy of the Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee’s Charter is available on our Internet website, at www.blackdiamond-inc.com under the tab “Corporate Governance” within the section called “Investor Relations.”

Candidates for the Board of Directors should possess fundamental qualities of intelligence, honesty, perceptiveness, good judgment, maturity, high ethics and standards, integrity, fairness and responsibility; have a genuine interest in the Company; have no conflict of interest or legal impediment which would interfere with the duty of loyalty owed to the Company and its stockholders; and have the ability and willingness to spend the time required to function effectively as a director of the Company. The Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee does not have a formal policy with regard to the consideration of diversity in identifying candidates for director. Nevertheless, the Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee’s evaluation of director candidates takes into account their ability to contribute to the diversity of age, background, experience, viewpoints and other individual qualities and attributes represented on the Board of Directors.

The Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee may engage third-party search firms from time to time to assist it in identifying and evaluating nominees for director. The Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee evaluates nominees recommended by stockholders, by other individuals and by the search firms in the same manner, as follows: The Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee reviews biographical information furnished by or about the potential nominees to determine whether they have the experience and qualities discussed above; when a Board of Directors vacancy occurs or is anticipated, the Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee determines which of the qualified candidates to interview, based on the current needs of the Board of Directors and the Company, and members of the Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee meet with these individuals. If, after such meetings, the Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee determines to recommend any candidate to the Board of Directors for consideration, that individual is invited to meet with the entire Board of Directors. The Board of Directors then determines whether to select the individual as a director-nominee.

Director Summary Compensation Table

The following table summarizes the compensation earned by our non-employee directors for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015:

(1) Represents the aggregate grant date fair value computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 for awards made during the applicable year. For discussions on the relevant assumptions, see footnote 12, “Stock-Based Compensation Plan” in the financial statements contained in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015. These amounts do not include forfeiture estimates.

(2) Mr. Henning’s option award includes the grant of options on December 11, 2015, valued at $23,128 and fully vesting on June 30, 2016.

(3) Mr. House’s option award includes the grant of options on (i) December 11, 2015, valued at $23,128 and fully vesting on June 30, 2016; and (ii) December 11, 2015, valued at $43,664 and fully vested on such date.

(4) Mr. Sokolow’s option award includes the grant of options on (i) December 11, 2015, valued at $23,128 and fully vesting on June 30, 2016; and (ii) December 11, 2015, valued at $43,664 and fully vested on such date.

Discussion of Director Compensation

We pay four primary components of compensation to our non-management directors: an annual cash retainer, meeting fees, committee chairman fees, and equity awards, generally comprising of stock equity awards such as stock options. In setting director compensation, the Company considers the significant amount of time that directors expend in fulfilling their duties on our Board of Directors and its committees as well as the skill level required by the Company of members of the Board of Directors and the need to continue to attract highly qualified candidates to serve on our Board of Directors. Director compensation arrangements are reviewed annually to maintain such standards.

In 2015, members of our Board of Directors were compensated as follows: (i) the non-employee directors received an annual stock option grant at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of 12,500 shares at an exercise price equal to the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of such grant, and vesting and becoming exercisable in two equal consecutive quarterly tranches; (ii) the non-employee directors receives an annual retainer of $25,000 payable quarterly; (iii) chairmen of the committees of the Board of Directors, other than the Audit Committee, received an additional annual payment of $10,000 payable quarterly; (iv) the chairman of the Board of Directors’ Audit Committee received an additional annual payment of $15,000 payable quarterly; and (v) each committee member received an additional $1,000 per committee meeting attended.

In 2016, members of our Board of Directors will be compensated as follows: (i) the non-employee directors will receive an annual stock option grant at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of 12,500 shares at an exercise price equal to the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of such grant, and vesting and becoming exercisable in four equal consecutive quarterly tranches; (ii) all non-employee directors serving on the Board of Directors will receive an annual payment of $35,000, payable in equal quarterly installments, in consideration for their services on the Board; (ii) the chairmen of the respective Board committees, other than the Board of Directors’ Audit Committee, will receive an additional annual payment of $10,000, payable in equal quarterly installments, in consideration for their services as chairmen on the respective Board of Directors’ committees; and (iii) the chairman of the Board of Directors’ Audit Committee will receive an additional annual payment of $15,000, payable in equal quarterly installments, in consideration for his service as the chairman of the Board of Directors’ Audit Committee.

 Our employee directors (Messrs. Kanders and Schiller) are compensated pursuant to their employment agreements (which are described below under the heading “Employment Agreements”).

Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings

No director, executive officer or person nominated to become a director or executive officer has, within the last ten years: (i) had a bankruptcy petition filed by or against, or a receiver, fiscal agent or similar officer appointed by a court for, any business of such person or entity with respect to which such person was a general partner or executive officer either at the time of the bankruptcy filing or within two years prior to that time; (ii) been convicted in a criminal proceeding or is currently subject to a pending criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations and other minor offenses); (iii) been subject to any order, judgment or decree, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, of any court of competent jurisdiction, permanently or temporarily enjoining him from, or otherwise limiting his involvement in any type of business, securities or banking activities or practice; or (iv) been found by a court of competent jurisdiction (in a civil action), the SEC or the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to have violated a federal or state securities or commodities law, and the judgment has not been reversed, suspended or vacated.

REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Board of Directors has appointed an Audit Committee consisting of three directors. Each of the members of the Audit Committee is independent from Black Diamond and is financially literate as that qualification is interpreted by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors has adopted a written charter with respect to the Audit Committee’s roles and responsibilities.

Management is responsible for Black Diamond’s internal control and the financial reporting process. The external auditor is responsible for performing an independent audit of Black Diamond’s consolidated financial statements and internal control over financial reporting in accordance with auditing standards and to issue a report thereon. The Audit Committee’s responsibility is to monitor and oversee these processes.

The Audit Committee has had various discussions with management and the independent auditors. Management represented to the Audit Committee that Black Diamond’s consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles applied on a consistent basis, and the Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed the quarterly and annual earnings press releases and consolidated financial statements with management and the independent auditors. The Audit Committee has also discussed with the independent auditors the matters required to be discussed by Public Company Accounting Oversight Board Auditing Standard No. 16 Communications with Audit Committees.

The Audit Committee has received the written disclosures and a letter from the independent registered public accounting firm as required by applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding the independent registered public accounting firm’s communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence, and has discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm its independence from Black Diamond and its management. The Audit Committee also considers whether the independent registered public accounting firm’s provision of audit and non-audit services to Black Diamond is compatible with maintaining the independent registered public accounting firm’s independence.

The Audit Committee discussed with the independent auditors the overall scope and plans for its audit. The Audit Committee discussed with the independent auditors, with and without management present, the results of its audit, the evaluations of Black Diamond’s internal control over financial reporting, and the overall quality and integrity of financial reporting.

Based on the reviews and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors, and the Board of Directors has approved, that the audited financial statements and the audit report on internal control over financial reporting be included in Black Diamond’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, for filing with the SEC.

Submitted by the Members of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors:

Michael A. Henning (Chairman)

Donald L. House

Nicholas Sokolow

The Report of the Audit Committee does not constitute soliciting material, and shall not be deemed to be filed or incorporated by reference into any other Company filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except to the extent that the Company specifically incorporates the Report of the Audit Committee by reference therein.

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

The following table sets forth the name, age and position of each of our executive officers as of the date hereof. Our executive officers are appointed by and serve at the discretion of the Board of Directors of Black Diamond.

See “Biographical Information for Directors” for biographical information with respect to Warren B. Kanders and Robert R. Schiller.

Aaron J. Kuehne, 37, has served as our Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer since March 2013. From March 2013 to November 2013, Mr. Kuehne served as the Company’s interim chief financial officer, and has been with the Company since September 2010. Before joining the Company in September 2010, Mr. Kuehne served as the Corporate Controller of Certiport from August 2009 to September 2010. From July 2004 to August 2009, Mr. Kuehne served in various capacities with KPMG LLP, most recently as Audit Manager. Mr. Kuehne graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting from University of Utah - David Eccles School of Business in 2002 and with a M.B.A. degree from University of Utah - David Eccles School of Business in 2004. He has also been a Certified Public Accountant since 2005.

Mark Ritchie, 57, has served as our Chief Operating Officer since August 2012. Mr. Ritchie had been the Vice President of Operations, from 2004 to 2012, Director Planning Purchasing and Logistics, from 1995 to 2004, and Production Planner from 1994 to 1995, of Black Diamond Equipment, Ltd. Mr. Ritchie previously served as Chief Financial Officer of Sierra South from 1985 to 1992. Mr. Ritchie graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Economics from California State University, Los Angeles in 1983 and received an M.B.A. from Pepperdine University, The George L. Graziadio School of Business and Management in 1994.

There are no family relationships between our Named Executive Officers and any director of the Company.

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

Overview

The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the “Compensation Committee”) establishes the salaries and other compensation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer and assists the Board of Directors in establishing compensation packages for Black Diamond’s other Named Executive Officers, its key employees and non-employee directors as well as administering Black Diamond’s incentive plans. The Compensation Committee is generally responsible for setting and administering the policies which govern annual salaries of executive officers, raises and bonuses and certain awards of stock options and common stock under the Company’s 2015 Stock Incentive Plan and otherwise, and, where applicable, compliance with the requirements of Section 162(m) of the Code and such responsibility is generally limited to the actions taken by the Compensation Committee, although at times the full Board of Directors has determined annual executive salaries, raises and, where the Company has determined that compliance with the provisions of Section 162(m) of the Code is not required, bonuses as well as grants of stock options and common stock without having first received recommendations from the Compensation Committee. From time to time, the Compensation Committee reviews our compensation packages to ensure that they remain competitive with the compensation packages offered by similarly-situated companies and continue to incentivize management and align management’s interests with those of our stockholders. Although we do not target executive compensation to any peer group median, we strive to provide a compensation package that is competitive in the market and rewards each executive’s performance.

The Compensation Committee is comprised of two directors, each of whom has considerable experience in executive compensation issues. Each member of the Compensation Committee meets the independence requirements specified by NASDAQ and by Section 162(m) of the Code. No member of the Compensation Committee has ever been an officer or employee of the Company, nor is there a direct or indirect relationship between any of the members of the Committee and any of the Company’s executive officers. The Compensation Committee operates under a written charter adopted by the Board of Directors that is available on our Internet website, at www.blackdiamond-inc.com under the tab “Corporate Governance” within the section called “Investor Relations.”

Executive Compensation Philosophy and Objectives

The Compensation Committee continues to examine and refine our compensation philosophy, objectives and strategy throughout the fiscal year as part of our ongoing efforts to maintain “best practices” in this area and corporate governance in general. The general philosophy of our executive compensation program is to attract and retain talented management that are enthusiastic about our mission and culture while ensuring that our executive officers are compensated in a way that advances the interests of our stockholders. In pursuing these objectives, the Compensation Committee believes that it is critical that a substantial portion of each executive officer’s compensation be contingent upon our overall performance and the growth of the Company. The Compensation Committee is also guided by the principles that our compensation packages must be competitive, must support our overall strategy and objectives, must provide significant rewards for outstanding financial performance while establishing clear consequences for underperformance and must align management’s interests with the interests of stockholders by linking compensation with performance. Annual bonuses and long-term awards for our executive officers should take into account not only objective financial goals, but also individual performance goals that reinforce our core values, which include leadership, accountability, ethics and corporate governance. It is the Compensation Committee’s responsibility to determine the performance goals for the performance-based compensation payable to our Named Executive Officers in compliance with Section 162(m) of the Code, subject to ratification by the Board of Directors, and to certify compliance with such goals before such compensation is paid. Subject to this limitation, the Compensation Committee may also make recommendations to the Board of Directors with respect to Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer compensation and, either alone or with the other independent members of our Board of Directors, to determine and approve our Chief Executive Officer’s and Chief Financial Officer’s compensation.

In determining the compensation packages for our other Named Executive Officers, key employees and non-employee directors, the Compensation Committee and the Board of Directors have evaluated the history and performance of the Company, previous compensation practices and packages awarded to the Company’s executive officers, key employees and non-employee directors, and compensation policies and packages awarded to executive officers, key employees and non-employee directors at similarly-situated companies.

Use of Outside Consultants

The Compensation Committee has the authority to retain and terminate any independent compensation consultant and to obtain independent advice and assistance from internal and external legal, accounting and other advisors. In 2015, the Compensation Committee did not engage any such consultants to determine or recommend the amount or form of executive and director compensation discussed herein.

Compensation Program Components

Our executive compensation program emphasizes company performance, individual performance and an increase in stockholder value over time in determining executive pay levels. Our executive compensation program consists of three key elements: (i) annual base salaries; (ii) a performance-based annual bonus; and (iii) periodic grants of stock options and restricted stock. The Compensation Committee believes that this three-part approach best serves our and our stockholders’ interests by motivating executive officers to improve our financial position, holding executives accountable for the performance of the organizations for which they are responsible and by attracting key executives into our service. Under our compensation program, annual compensation for Named Executive Officers are composed of a significant portion of pay that is “at risk” – specifically, the annual bonus, stock options and restricted stock.

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, the components of compensation for Named Executive Officers were: (i) cash compensation; (ii) equity-based compensation; and (iii) perquisites and other personal and additional benefits. Additional details on each element of our compensation program are outlined below.

Cash Compensation

Base Salary. In reviewing and approving the base salaries of our Named Executive Officers, the Compensation Committee considers the scope of work and responsibilities and other individual-specific factors; the recommendations of our Executive Chairman and Executive Vice Chairman (except in the case of their own respective compensation); compensation for similar positions at similarly-situated companies; and the executive’s experience. Except where an existing agreement establishes an executive’s salary, the Compensation Committee generally reviews executive officer and key employee salaries annually at the end of the fiscal year and establishes the base salaries for the upcoming fiscal year in connection with establishing the Company’s budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

For 2015, base salaries for the Company’s Executive Chairman and Executive Vice Chairman were established pursuant to their respective employment agreements. The base salaries for the Company’s Executive Chairman and Executive Vice Chairman are subject to annual review by the Compensation Committee and were not modified in 2015 and remained at $175,000, respectively. In establishing the salaries of our Executive Chairman and Executive Vice Chairman, the Compensation Committee considered their respective extensive investment, capital raising, acquisition and operating expertise, as well as the scope of their respective responsibilities. Our Executive Chairman and Executive Vice Chairman devote only as much of their time as is necessary to the affairs of the Company and also serve in various capacities with other public and private entities, including not-for-profit entities. The employment agreements of the Company’s Executive Chairman and Executive Vice Chairman are described below under the heading “Employment Agreements”.

As Mr. Kuehne, our Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer, did not have an employment agreement, his employment with the Company is “at will.” Mr. Kuehne previously served as the Company’s Interim Chief Financial Officer following the resignation of Robert Peay, the Company’s previous Chief Financial Officer, on March 15, 2013. Mr. Kuehne was appointed as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer effective November 1, 2013. In connection with Mr. Kuehne’s appointment as Chief Financial Officer, the Company increased Mr. Kuehne’s salary from $160,000 to $210,000 per year effective as of January 1, 2014, and his salary remained at $210,000 during the year ended December 31, 2015. In establishing Mr. Kuehne’s base salary, the Compensation Committee considered, among other things, the compensation for similar positions at similarly-situated companies, as well as the additional responsibilities and duties required by his role as chief financial officer of a public company. Effective as of December 15, 2015, Mr. Kuehne’s salary was increased by $25,000 to a total annual base salary of $235,000.

As Mr. Ritchie, our Chief Operating Officer, did not have an employment agreement, his employment with the Company is “at will.” Effective April 1, 2014, Mr. Ritchie’s salary was increased from $240,000 to $245,000 and his salary remained at $245,000 during the year ended December 31, 2015. In establishing Mr. Ritchie’s base salary, the Compensation Committee considered, among other things, the compensation for similar positions at similarly-situated companies, as well as the additional responsibilities and duties required by his role as chief operating officer of a public company.

For 2015, the base salary for Mr. Metcalf, who served as our Chief Executive Officer until his retirement effective December 31, 2015, was $275,000 pursuant to his employment agreement with the Company. In establishing the base salary of our former Chief Executive Officer, the Compensation Committee considered Mr. Metcalf’s extensive knowledge of the Company’s history, products, strategies, technologies and culture, as well as the additional responsibilities and duties required by his role as chief executive officer of a public company. For 2015, the base salary for Ms. Freeman, who served as our President until her resignation effective June 3, 2015, was $500,000 pursuant to her employment agreement with the Company. In establishing the base salary of our former President, the Compensation Committee considered Ms. Freeman’s extensive brand management, and consumer product and omni-channel expertise as well as the additional responsibilities and duties required by her role as president of a public company.

Performance-Based Annual Bonus. With regard to the compensation of any Named Executive Officer that is subject to Section 162(m) of the Code, the Compensation Committee establishes the performance goals and then certifies the satisfaction of such performance goals prior to the payment of the performance-based bonus compensation. In reviewing and approving the annual performance-based bonus for our executive officers, the Compensation Committee may also consider an executive’s contribution to the overall performance of Black Diamond, as well as annual bonuses awarded to persons holding similar positions at similarly-situated companies.

In addition, cash bonuses may be awarded at the discretion of the Board of Directors, the Compensation Committee or the executive management of the Company for exceptional performance related to other corporate activity undertaken by the Company in any year.

The Compensation Committee and the Board of Directors determined to award our former Chief Executive Officer and current Chief Operating Officer discretionary cash bonuses in the amount of $500 each for the performance of their services in 2015. In determining to award discretionary cash bonuses to our former Chief Executive Officer and current Chief Operating Officer, the Compensation Committee took into account, among other things, their respective contributions to the Company’s financial results for the year ended December 31, 2015, as well as their respective efforts towards implementing the Company’s strategic pivot.

The Compensation Committee and the Board of Directors also determined to award our Chief Financial Officer a discretionary cash bonus in the amount of $50,500 for the performance of his services in 2015. In determining to award discretionary a cash bonus to our Chief Financial Officer, the Compensation Committee took into account, among other things, his contributions to the Company’s financial results for the year ended December 31, 2015, as well as his efforts in connection with the Company’s review of strategic alternatives and towards implementing the Company’s strategic pivot.

Base salary, incentive compensation and the amount of discretionary bonus (total cash compensation) earned in 2015 by the Named Executive Officers are reflected in the “Salary,” and “Bonus,” columns in the Summary Compensation Table set forth on page 21 of this Proxy Statement.

Equity-Based Compensation

2005 Stock Incentive Plan and 2015 Stock Incentive Plan

We believe that equity-based compensation is the most effective means of creating a long-term link between the compensation provided to officers and other key management personnel and the returns realized by the stockholders. In 2015, the Company maintained the 2005 Stock Incentive Plan and the 2015 Stock Incentive Plan (collectively, the “Incentive Plans”) to incentivize executive officers and other key employees. The Incentive Plans are designed to give the Board of Directors discretion and flexibility in designing incentive compensation packages to align the goals of management with those of our stockholders and to motivate executive officers and key employees to improve the operations of the Company, thereby maximizing stockholder value. Pursuant to the Incentive Plans, the Board of Directors may issue to employees, officers, directors, consultants, independent contractors and advisors of the Company and its subsidiaries incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, and restricted stock.

Awards under the Incentive Plans help relate a significant portion of an employee’s long-term remuneration directly to stock price appreciation realized by all our stockholders and align an employee’s interests with that of our stockholders. The Compensation Committee believes equity-based incentive compensation aligns executive and stockholder interests because (i) the use of a multi-year lock-up or vesting schedule or milestone based vesting schedule for equity awards encourages executive retention and emphasizes long-term growth, and (ii) paying a significant portion of management’s compensation in our equity provides management with a powerful incentive to increase stockholder value over the long-term. The specific types and size of awards to be granted (other than options granted to non-employee directors) and the terms and conditions of such awards are determined by the Compensation Committee subject to the provisions of the Incentive Plans.

The timing of our equity award grants is not designed to have any relationship with our release of material, non-public information. Awards are generally granted at previously scheduled meetings of the Board of Directors and Compensation Committee and as required by the Incentive Plans, options and stock awards are granted with an exercise price and valued equal to the fair market value of the Company’s common stock which is the closing price on the date of such grant. The Compensation Committee may also approve any equity-based grants in connection with the hiring or promotion of an executive officer.

The Company’s 2005 Stock Incentive Plan expired in accordance with its terms in June 2015 and any shares of common stock then remaining available for grant under the 2005 Stock Incentive Plan has been canceled. However, at December 31, 2015, 1,557,500  shares of common stock subject to outstanding awards granted under the 2005 Stock Incentive Plan prior to the expiration of the 2005 Stock Incentive Plan will remain available for issuance in accordance with their terms.

During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company issued stock options to purchase 55,000 shares of the Company’s common stock to our Chief Financial Officer pursuant to the 2015 Stock Incentive Plan, at an exercise price of $4.63, the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of such grant, with options to purchase 22,000 shares of common stock vesting and becoming exercisable on December 31, 2017 and options to purchase 16,500 shares of common stock vesting and becoming exercisable on each of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2019.

Equity based compensation earned in 2015 by the Named Executive Officers are reflected in the “Stock Awards,” and “Option Awards,” columns in the Summary Compensation Table set forth on page 21 of this Proxy Statement.

Perquisites and Other Personal and Additional Benefits

Executive officers participate in other employee benefit plans generally available to all employees on the same terms as similarly-situated employees.

The Company maintains qualified 401(k) plans that provide for discretionary Company contributions up to the applicable Internal Revenue Service limits.

The Company also provides Named Executive Officers with perquisites and other personal benefits that the Company and the Compensation Committee believe are reasonable and consistent with its overall compensation program to better enable the Company to attract and retain superior employees for key positions. The Compensation Committee periodically reviews the levels of perquisites and other personal benefits provided to our Named Executive Officers.

The costs to the Company associated with providing these benefits for executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table are reflected in the “All Other Compensation” column of the Summary Compensation Table set forth on page 21 of this Proxy Statement.

Accounting and Tax Considerations

Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code (“Code”) generally disallows a tax deduction to public corporations for compensation other than performance-based compensation over $1,000,000 paid for any fiscal year to an individual who, on the last day of the taxable year, was (i) the Chief Executive Officer or (ii) among the four other highest compensated executive officers whose compensation is required to be reported in the Summary Compensation Table contained herein. Compensation programs generally will qualify as performance-based if (1) compensation is based on pre-established objective performance targets, (2) the programs’ material features have been approved by stockholders, and (3) there is no discretion to increase payments after the performance targets have been established for the performance period. With regard to the compensation of any Named Executive Officer that is subject to Section 162(m) of the Code, the Compensation Committee establishes the performance goals and then certifies the satisfaction of such performance goals prior to the payment of the performance-based bonus compensation. The Compensation Committee desires to maximize deductibility of compensation under Section 162(m) of the Code to the extent practicable while maintaining a competitive, performance-based compensation program. However, the Compensation Committee also believes that it must reserve the right to award compensation which it deems to be in the best interests of our stockholders but which may not be tax deductible under Section 162(m) of the Code.

Policy on Stock Trading

We do not permit our executives and other employees to buy or sell put or call options on the Company’s common stock, or sell the Company’s common stock short.

Post-Employment and Other Events

Retirement, death, disability and change-in-control events trigger the payment of certain compensation to the Named Executive Officers that is not available to all salaried employees. Such compensation is discussed under the headings “Employment Agreements” and “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control.”

Role of Executive Officers in Compensation Decisions

The Compensation Committee determines the total compensation of our Chief Financial Officer and any Chief Executive Officer the Company may hire in the future, and oversees the design and administration of compensation and benefit plans for all of the Company’s employees. Certain executive officers, including our Executive Chairman, Executive Vice Chairman, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer, may attend a portion of most regularly scheduled Compensation Committee meetings, excluding executive sessions, to present topical issues for discussion and education as well as specific recommendations for review. The Compensation Committee also obtains input from our legal, finance and tax advisors, as appropriate.

Summary

The Compensation Committee believes that the total compensation package has been designed to motivate key management to improve the operations and financial performance of the Company, thereby increasing the market value of our common stock. The tables in this Executive Compensation section reflect the compensation structure established by the Compensation Committee.

Compensation Committee Report

Our Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis contained in this Proxy Statement with management. Based on our Compensation Committee’s review of and the discussions with management with respect to the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, our Compensation Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Proxy Statement for filing with the SEC.

Submitted by the Members of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors:

Donald House (Chairman)

Nicholas Sokolow

The Report of the Compensation Committee does not constitute soliciting material, and shall not be deemed to be filed or incorporated by reference into any other Company filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except to the extent that the Company specifically incorporates the Report of the Compensation Committee by reference therein.

Summary Compensation Table

The following summary compensation table sets forth information concerning the annual and long-term compensation earned for the periods presented below by our executive officers and persons as to whom disclosure is required under the applicable rules of the SEC (collectively, the “Named Executive Officers”).

(1) Represents the aggregate grant date fair value computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 for awards made during the applicable year. For discussions on the relevant assumptions, see footnote 12, “Stock-Based Compensation Plans” in the financial statements contained in the Annual Reports on Form 10-K for the years ended December 31, 2015, December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. These amounts do not include forfeiture estimates.

(2) Represents the aggregate grant date fair value computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 for awards made during the applicable year. For discussions on the relevant assumptions, see footnote 12, “Stock-Based Compensation Plans” in the financial statements contained in the Annual Reports on Form 10-K for the years ended December 31, 2015, December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.

(3) Mr. Kanders is compensated pursuant to the terms of his employment agreement with the Company dated June 5, 2013, which is discussed under the heading “Employment Agreements” in this Proxy Statement. Mr. Kanders is required to devote only as much time as is necessary to perform his duties for the Company.

(4) ”All Other Compensation” amount for Mr. Kanders in 2015 consists of the following items: 401(k) matching contributions, $2,640, health, short-term and long-term disability, and AD&D, $35,171; and life insurance, $7,827.

(5) Mr. Schiller is compensated pursuant to the terms of his employment agreement with the Company dated June 5, 2013, which is discussed under the heading “Employment Agreements” in this Proxy Statement. Mr. Schiller is required to devote only as much time as is necessary to perform his duties for the Company.

(6) ”All Other Compensation” amount for Mr. Schiller in 2015 consists of the following items: 401(k) matching contributions, $2,632, health, short-term and long-term disability, and AD&D, $35,514; and life insurance, $1,490.

(7) Mr. Metcalf, during his term as Chief Executive Officer of the Company, received compensation pursuant to the terms of his employment agreement with the Company dated June 5, 2013. Mr. Metcalf retired as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer effective December 31, 2015.

(8) ”All Other Compensation” amount for Mr. Metcalf in 2015 consists of the following items: 401(k) matching contributions, $4,689, wellness time conversion, $5,000, vacation time conversion $21,154, health, short-term and long-term disability, and AD&D, $3,038; and life insurance, $1,062.

(9) Ms. Freeman, during her term as President of the Company, received compensation pursuant to the terms of her employment agreement with the Company dated August 11, 2014. Ms. Freeman resigned as the Company’s President effective June 3, 2015.

(10) ”All Other Compensation” amount for Ms. Freeman in 2015 consists of the following items: contractual severance payments, $463,543, health, short-term and long-term disability, and AD&D, $10,477; and life insurance, $257.

(11) On November 1, 2013, in connection with Mr. Kuehne’s appointment as Chief Financial Officer, the Company increased Mr. Kuehne’s salary from $160,000 to $210,000 per year effective as of January 1, 2014. The Company increased Mr. Kuehne’s salary from $210,000 to $235,000 per year effective as of December 15, 2015.

(12) ”All Other Compensation” amount for Mr. Kuehne in 2015 consists of the following items: 401(k) matching contributions, $3,211, wellness time conversion, $4,038, health, short-term and long-term disability, and AD&D, $8,968; and life insurance, $450.

(13) On April 1, 2014, the Company increased Mr. Ritchie’s salary from $240,000 to $245,000.

(14) ”All Other Compensation” amount for Mr. Ritchie’s in 2015 consists of the following items: 401(k) matching contributions, $3,746, wellness time conversion, $4,712, health, short-term and long-term disability, and AD&D, $6,079; and life insurance, $1,062.

Grants of Plan-Based Awards

The following table sets forth information concerning grants of plan-based awards in fiscal year 2015 to our Named Executive Officers.

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End

The following table sets forth information concerning stock options and stock awards held by the Named Executive Officers at December 31, 2015:

(1)    Fully vested non-plan stock option award. The Company’s Compensation Committee and Board of Directors approved, effective as of May 28, 2010, the extension of the expiration date for such stock option awards from December 20, 2012 to May 31, 2020.

(2) A seven-year restricted stock award granted under the Company’s 2005 Stock Incentive Plan on January 17, 2011 of 250,000 restricted shares which will vest and become nonforfeitable on the date the closing price of the Company’s common stock shall have equaled or exceeded $14.00 per share for 20 consecutive trading days.

(3) Stock option award granted pursuant to the Company’s 2005 Stock Incentive Plan. Options to purchase 30,000, 22,500 and 22,500 shares of common stock became exercisable on December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively. Mr. Metcalf retired as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer effective December 31, 2015 and as a result these options are no longer outstanding.  

(4) Stock option award granted pursuant to the Company’s 2005 Stock Incentive Plan. Options to purchase 25,000 are immediately exercisable. The shares of common stock underlying the stock option will be subject to certain transfer restrictions through and including December 31, 2017, provided, that upon any termination of Mr. Kuehne’s employment with the Company for any reason (including, but not limited to, death, Disability or Termination by the Company without Cause (each as defined in the 2005 Stock Incentive Plan)), the transfer restrictions shall continue to apply through and including December 31, 2022.

(5) Stock option award granted pursuant to the Company’s 2005 Stock Incentive Plan. Options to purchase 3,000 shares of common stock shall vest and become exercisable on December 31, 2015 and options to purchase 2,250 shares of common stock shall vest and become exercisable on each of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2017.

(6) Stock option award granted pursuant to the Company’s 2005 Stock Incentive Plan. Options to purchase 5,000, 3,750 and 3,750 shares of common stock vested and became exercisable on each of December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively.

(7) Stock option award granted pursuant to the Company’s 2015 Stock Incentive Plan. Options to purchase 22,000, 16,500 and 16,500 shares of common stock vested and became exercisable on each of December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019, respectively.

(8) Stock option award granted pursuant to the Company’s 2005 Stock Incentive Plan. Options to purchase 75,000 are immediately exercisable. The shares of common stock underlying the stock option will be subject to certain transfer restrictions through and including December 31, 2017, provided, that upon any termination of Mr. Ritchie’s employment with the Company for any reason (including, but not limited to, death, Disability or Termination by the Company without Cause (each as defined in the 2005 Stock Incentive Plan)), the transfer restrictions shall continue to apply through and including December 31, 2022.

(9) Stock option award granted pursuant to the Company’s 2005 Stock Incentive Plan. Options to purchase 10,000, 7,500 and 7,500 shares of common stock vested and became exercisable on December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively.

(10)  Restricted stock award of 30,000 shares of common stock granted under the Company’s 2005 Stock Incentive Plan will vest and become nonforfeitable as follows: (i) 10,000 shares shall immediately vest and become nonforfeitable if: (A) during any calendar year ending prior to and including December 31, 2015, the Company’s apparel products achieve certain net revenue targets in such calendar year; and (B) Mr. Ritchie is employed as a full time employee by the Company or one of its subsidiaries as of March 31, 2016; (ii) 10,000 shares shall immediately vest and become nonforfeitable if: (A) during any calendar year ending prior to and including December 31, 2017, the Company’s apparel products achieve certain net revenue targets such calendar year; and (B) Mr. Ritchie is employed as a full time employee by the Company or one of its subsidiaries as of March 31, 2018; and (iii) 10,000 shares shall immediately vest and become nonforfeitable if: (A) during any calendar year ending prior to and including December 31, 2018, the Company’s apparel products achieve certain net revenue targets in such calendar year; and (B) Mr. Ritchie is employed as a full time employee by the Company or one of its subsidiaries as of March 31, 2019; provided, however, in the event that the Company fails to achieve a net revenue target in an applicable calendar year but Mr. Ritchie remains employed as a full time employee by the Company or one of its subsidiaries as of the applicable employment date for such period, then 2,000 restricted shares with respect to such period shall become fully vested and the remaining 8,000 unvested restricted shares with respect to such period shall be forfeited effective as of such applicable employment date.

Option Exercises and Stock Vested During Fiscal 2015

The following table sets forth information concerning the vesting of stock option awards and vesting of stock awards in fiscal year 2015 to our Named Executive Officers.

Pension Benefits – Fiscal 2015

There were no pension benefits earned by our Named Executive Officers during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015.

Non-qualified Defined Contribution and Other Non-qualified Deferred Compensation Plans

The Company does not have any non-qualified defined contribution or other non-qualified deferred compensation plans covering its Named Executive Officers.

Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change of Control

The tables below reflect the amount of compensation payable to each of the current Named Executive Officers of the Company in the event of termination of such executive’s employment. The amount of compensation payable to each current Named Executive Officer upon voluntary termination; retirement; involuntary not-for-cause termination; involuntary for cause termination; termination following a change of control; retention following a change of control; and in the event of disability or death of the executive is shown below. The amounts shown assume that such termination was effective as of December 31, 2015. The amounts shown thus include amounts earned through such times and are estimates of the amounts which would be paid out to the executives upon their termination. The actual amounts to be paid out can only be determined at the time of such executive’s separation from the Company.

Payments Made Upon Termination

Regardless of the manner in which a Named Executive Officer’s employment terminates, he may be entitled to receive amounts earned during his term of employment.

Payments Made Upon Retirement

In the event of the retirement of a Named Executive Officer, no additional benefits are paid.

Payments Made Upon a Change of Control

Pursuant to the terms of the employment agreements between the Company and each of Messrs. Kanders and Schiller, upon the termination of employment by such executive due to the occurrence of a change in control, such terminating executive will receive one year of annual salary in one lump sum and all granted but unvested stock options held by the executive will automatically vest and become exercisable.

Pursuant to the employment agreements between the Company and each of Messrs. Kanders and Schiller, a change of control is deemed to occur in the event that:

Warren B. Kanders

The following table shows the potential payments upon termination or a change of control of the Company for Warren B. Kanders, the Company’s Executive Chairman, which includes payments payable pursuant to the terms of his employment agreement dated June 5, 2013, which is discussed under the heading “Employment Agreements” in this Proxy Statement.

Robert R. Schiller

The following table shows the potential payments upon termination or a change of control of the Company for Robert R. Schiller, the Company’s Executive Vice Chairman, which includes payments payable pursuant to the terms of his employment agreement dated June 5, 2013, which is discussed under the heading “Employment Agreements” in this Proxy Statement.

Aaron J. Kuehne

The following table shows the potential payments upon termination or a change of control of the Company for Aaron J. Kuehne, the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer.

Mark Ritchie

The following table shows the potential payments upon termination or a change of control of the Company for Mark Ritchie, the Company’s Chief Operating Officer.