Patagonia names new CEO
Patagonia has promoted an insider to chief executive.
The outdoor apparel and equipment brand, known for its bold activism and commitment to the environment, named Ryan Gellert as CEO of Patagonia Works, the holding company for Patagonia. Gellert joined the company in 2014, overseeing its business in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. He succeeds former CEO Rose Marcario, who stepped down in June after 12 years in the role.
“Patagonia is not immune to the health, economic, social and climate crises we are facing, and the last year has been one of the most challenging in our company’s history,” stated Patagonia board member and former CEO Kris Tompkins. “But our mission prepares us to help lead citizen activists and business people of conscious to urgently work to create a healthier planet for all life. “Ryan is the right person with the best experience and leadership approach to guide our company.”
Prior to joining Patagonia, Gellert served as president of climbing company Black Diamond Equipment, for nearly a decade.
“I am honored and humbled by the opportunity and keenly aware of the responsibility to lead this company in this critical time,” stated Gellert. “No one’s expectations of Patagonia are higher than our own. Everything we do needs to ladder back to our mission of being in business to save our home planet, and we need to do that in a way that is just, equitable and inclusive of all people. Ambitions don’t get much bigger than that.”
Patagonia also made big changes within the leadership team by elevating Jenna Johnson and Lisa Williams to larger roles. Johnson, who previously led Patagonia’s technical outdoor business, will serve as head of Patagonia, where she will oversee Patagonia’s apparel and equipment division as the company works to align its business more strongly with its mission and sport communities.
Williams, who joined Patagonia’s product team in 2001, will assume a new executive role as head of innovation, design and merchandising. In this role, she will accelerate Patagonia’s mission by leading breakthrough ideas in materials, carbon-capturing business models and design.