Columbia Sportswear charts new leadership path
Columbia Sportswear Co. is re-aligning its executive ranks in order to drive sustainable and profitable growth.
“Strong momentum behind each of our largest brands drove our global net sales to more than $2.1 billion in 2014 and is expected to fuel continued double-digit currency-neutral growth in 2015,” Chief Executive Officer Tim Boyle said. “The leadership changes that we are announcing today are intended to position us to secure the significant global growth potential that we believe exists within each of the brands in our portfolio.”
Several seasoned members of the executive leadership team have been elevated to new roles:
Tim Boyle, who has served as president and CEO of the company since 1988, will continue to lead the company as CEO, while Bryan Timm, a 17-year company veteran who has served as EVP and COO since October 2008, has been elevated to president and COO of Columbia Sportswear Co. In his new role, Timm will oversee the company’s wholesale sales function in North America, as well as direct-to-consumer operations in North America and Europe, while retaining his current leadership role over the company’s global sourcing, supply chain and distribution operations.
Peter Bragdon has been promoted to the new title of EVP, CAO and general counsel, effective immediately. Bragdon is a 13-year company veteran who has served as SVP of legal and corporate affairs, general counsel and secretary since 2010. Tom Cusick has been promoted to the new title of EVP of finance and chief financial officer, effective immediately. Cusick is a 12-year company veteran who has advanced through progressive financial management roles, serving as SVP of finance and CFO since 2010.
Joe Boyle is appointed to the newly-created position of Vice President of Columbia Brand Merchandising & Design, effective immediately, with responsibility for product creation for Columbia brand apparel, footwear, accessories & equipment. Joe is a 10 year company veteran who has progressed through a number of senior product and marketing roles, serving as Vice President of Apparel Merchandising since 2013. He will continue to report directly to CEO Tim Boyle.
Mark Nenow is appointed to the newly-created position of President of the Sorel Brand, effective immediately, with responsibility for global brand direction and product creation. Mark has served as Vice President of Global Footwear Merchandising & Design over the company’s Columbia, Sorel and Montrail footwear brands since he joined the company in 2007. He will continue to report directly to CEO Tim Boyle.