Apple Musni has been named chief people officer of REI

REI Co-op has made three leadership appointments, including two C-suite roles.

The specialty outdoor retailer has hired Apple Musni as its new chief people officer, effective March 20.  Most recently, she was VP, field people experience and recruiting at Chipotle Mexican Grill, where she was responsible for the people strategy and initiatives that delivers best-in-class staffing, engagement, retention and development of field employees, REI stated.

Prior to Chipotle, Musni led human resources and operational functions at McDonald's and Target Corp.

“As a values-led organization, we measure our success as a company by our positive impact on our employees, our members, society and our business,” said Eric Artz, REI president and CEO. “Apple brings a breadth of experience in retail and customer service, and a strong point of view about how a progressive company with a strong ethos infuses its values through its people strategy." 

REI said that Musni will be responsible for the full expression of its people-first strategy, leading the teams that shape the retailer’s compensation and benefits offerings, provide HR business partnership to teams across the company, design innovative talent strategies and advance the co-op's racial equity commitments.

"It is a privilege to join the REI team and support amplifying how the mission of the co-op comes to life through its employee experience,” said Musni. “Anyone who works in HR knows that REI is the gold standard for how it invests in and cares for its employees."

REI also announced the promotions of Chris Speyer to senior VP, chief merchandising officer, and Isabelle Portilla to VP, Co-op Brands. The new roles are effective immediately.

"Chris and Isabelle are both experienced leaders who have driven massive impact for the co-op in their tenure here and are well-positioned to lead our merchandising and Co-op Brands teams into the future,” said Artz.

The nation's largest consumer co-op, REI has 181 locations in 42 states and the District of Columbia.