JOHN WALBRECHT EXITS MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR

High-performance mountaineering apparel and equipment brand Mountain Hardwear, Inc. has announced the departure of brand president John Walbrecht, who has resigned to pursue opportunities closer to his family.

Walbrecht was appointed to the role of brand president in March to lead all aspects of Mountain Hardwear’s brand positioning and go-to-market product, sales and marketing strategies.

Walbrecht has been a leader in the outdoor industry for the past 17 years. Since 2012 he has served as president and CEO of Fenix Outdoors North America, based in Boulder, Colorado. Prior to that, he has held executive positions at Brandbase, Inc., Spyder Active Sports, Inc., and Dr. Martens.

“I want to thank John for his intensity and leadership and, together with the rest of the management team, wish him success in his next adventure,” said Bryan Timm, president of Columbia Sportswear Company. “While we carry out a succession process to identify the brand’s next leader, I will assume a more active role in day-to-day management working alongside the Mountain Hardwear leadership team, who are, themselves, proven industry leaders and brand builders. Over the past several months, we have been setting in motion many foundational aspects of our strategy to revitalize the Mountain Hardwear brand and are committed to continuing along that strategic course.”

Founded in 1993 and based in Richmond, California, Mountain Hardwear is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Columbia Sportswear Company and distributes its products through specialty outdoor, running, and sporting goods retailers in the United States and 58 countries worldwide