REI names COO, senior VP merchandising

Seattle -- Outdoor gear and apparel retailer REI has promoted Eric Artz, CFO, the additional role COO), and Susan Viscon, VP merchandising, to senior VP merchandising.



"Eric and Susan are highly-regarded leaders at REI and across the outdoor industry for their deep business knowledge, strategic vision and solid values," said Jerry Stritzke, REI president and CEO. "They, like the rest of our leadership team, are making great strides in furthering our growth through compelling brand narratives, great products and memorable experiences for existing and future co-op members and customers."



Artz, who is taking on additional responsibility as COO, will retain the CFO role. Artz joined REI in 2012 as CFO. Prior to that, he was CFO at Urban Outfitters



Under Viscon’s expanded role, the company's merchandising and private brands divisions have been united.