Changes at the top for Buffalo-based MLB, NFL cap maker; CEO Koch taking on president duties

New Era Cap CEO Christopher Koch (kohk) will take on the role of president of the Buffalo-based company that makes the official on-field caps for Major League Baseball.

The company announced earlier this week that the 54-year-old great-grandson of New Era's founder has added the new title with the departure of president Pete Augustine, who joined the cap maker as an accountant in 1990.

The company didn't give a reason for Augustine's departure, only saying it was by "mutual agreement."

Augustine's other positions with the 95-year-old company included chief financial officer.

In addition to making caps for MLB, New Era also makes the hats worn on the sidelines by NFL players and coaches, along with other accessories and apparel.

New Era has 500 employees at its Buffalo headquarters and manufacturing plant in nearby Derby.