MANUFACTURING
New President Named at Mountain Hardwear
After more than six months of searching for a new president, John Walbrecht has been appointed to take over the top job at Mountain Hardwear.
Columbia Sportswear Co., which owns the brand, announced that Walbrecht will step into his executive position at the outdoor-apparel company, headquartered in Richmond, Calif., on March 7.
Walbrecht will be responsible for leading Mountain Hardwear’s global brand positioning and go-to-market product, sales and marketing strategies.
Walbrecht will report to Columbia Sportswear President Bryan Timm. “The Mountain Hardwear brand plays an important role within our portfolio of brands that connect active people with their passions,” Timm said. “John has spent his career building brands that connect deeply with passionate, outdoor consumers through high-performance apparel, footwear, accessories and equipment.”
Walbrecht has worked in the outdoor industry for 17 years. Since 2012, he has been the president and chief executive of Fenix Outdoors North America, based in Boulder, Colo. Fenix’s outdoor brands include Brunton, Primu and Hanwag.
He is also an ultra-marathoner, triathlete, skier, cycler and fisherman. He replaces Topher Gaylord, who left the company last July.
After Gaylord’s departure, the interim president post was filled by Scott Kerslake, who is also chief executive of the Prana yogawear brand, another Columbia Sportswear Co. subsidiary.
Columbia Sportswear is based in Portland, Ore. Its other brands are Sorel and OutDry.
