Former Tommy Hilfiger exec named SVP, retail at Columbia

PORTLAND, Ore. — Columbia Sportswear Company has appointed Shawn Cox as SVP of retail, a newly created position that will report directly to president and CEO Tim Boyle.

In his new role, Cox, 49, will be responsible for leading the company’s brick-and-mortar retail and e-commerce operations in the U.S., Europe and Canada.

Cox has 24 years of experience developing, managing and improving profitability of branded retail networks with operations in the U.S., Europe, South America, Middle East and Asia.

Since 2009 he has served in Amsterdam, Holland as global retail SVP with contemporary lifestyle retailer Mexx, where he led a successful turnaround of the company’s 300 locations in 15 countries. He also served as regional VP overseeing Mexx’s wholesale business, where he managed distribution to a network of distributors, franchisees, department stores and multi-brand retail customers with more than 500 locations in 54 countries.

From 2007-2009 he served in London as global chief retail officer for Samsonite Corporation, where he directed a network of 350 owned retail stores and 700 franchised stores spanning 40 countries in North America, South America, Europe, Middle East and Asia. From 2000-2006 he served in Amsterdam as VP of Tommy Hilfiger’s European retail division, where he was responsible for 120 Tommy Hilfiger retail, factory outlet, department store concession and franchise stores in 12 European countries.

“Shawn represents an important addition to Columbia’s leadership team,” said Columbia president and CEO Tim Boyle. “With a proven ability to strategize and execute innovative brand-enhancing retail platforms, we look forward to Shawn helping us bring our unique brand and technology stories alive for consumers around the world.”

“I am excited by the opportunity to lead Columbia Sportswear’s North American and European direct to consumer strategy with its strong portfolio of outdoor brands and a solid foundation of performance and value,” said Cox.

In addition to the Columbia brand, Columbia Sportswear Company also owns outdoor brands Mountain Hardwear, Sorel, Montrail and OutDry.