# Elias Sabo

> Elias Sabo is a founding partner of Compass Group Management and CEO and director of Compass Diversified, a publicly traded owner of middle-market businesses. Based in Costa Mesa, he has led CODI since May 2018 and previously served as president and board chairman at Fox Factory. He also competes in sports-car racing. Compass announced his retirement effective December 31, 2026, with Zach Sawtelle designated to succeed him.

- **Role:** Co-founder, Chief Executive Officer and Director at Compass Diversified; Partner at Compass Group Management
- **Organizations:** Compass Diversified, Compass Group Management, Fox Factory (former president and board chairman), Flying Lizard Motorsports, CIBC Oppenheimer (former employer), Boundary Partners (former employer), Colony Capital (former employer)
- **Nationality:** American
- **Education:** Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
- **Known for:** Helped establish Compass’s manager in 1998 and led CODI as CEO from May 2018., Served as Fox Factory president from January 2008 to June 2013 and later board chairman., Led Compass during the 2020 acquisition and 2023 sale of Marucci Sports.

## Career timeline

- **1992** — Moved to California; began working in Colony Capital’s acquisition department.
- **1996-1998** — Worked as an investment banker at CIBC World Markets, formerly Oppenheimer & Co.
- **1998** — Became a founding partner of Compass’s investment manager.
- **2006** — Compass Diversified completed its IPO.
- **2007-2017** — Served on Fox Factory’s board, including service as chairman.
- **2008-2013** — Served as president of Fox Factory Holding Corp.
- **2018-05** — Became Compass Diversified CEO and director.
- **2022** — Joined Flying Lizard Motorsports with co-driver Andy Lee.
- **2024-04** — Made his IMSA WeatherTech championship debut at Long Beach.
- **2026-06** — Announced retirement effective December 31, 2026; Zach Sawtelle named successor.

## Achievements

- Helped establish Compass’s manager in 1998 and led CODI as CEO from May 2018.
- Served as Fox Factory president from January 2008 to June 2013 and later board chairman.
- Led Compass during the 2020 acquisition and 2023 sale of Marucci Sports.
- Set the fastest SRO3 time in Sonoma’s April 6, 2024 second practice session: 1:34.868.
- Participated in Flying Lizard’s 2024 return to the IMSA WeatherTech championship.

## Latest updates

- **2026-08** — Compass reported second-quarter results, more than $280 million of Sterno sale proceeds applied to debt reduction, and changes to its management-services agreement.
- **2026-06** — Compass announced that Sabo will retire as CEO and director on December 31, 2026, with Zach Sawtelle to succeed him on January 1, 2027.
- **2026-06** — Compass entered a settlement intended to facilitate the orderly liquidation of Lugano assets.

## Links

- Website: https://compassdiversified.com/elias-sabo-board/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elias-sabo-compass

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/elias-sabo
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-09