MICHAEL RICHARDSON TO HEAD GLOBAL MERCHANDISING FOR COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR

Portland-based outdoor apparel company Columbia Sportswear has that Michael Richardson has been appointed as vice president of global merchandising. Richardson, who will report to executive vice president & Columbia brand president Joe Boyle, will be responsible for developing and executing the strategic vision for Columbia’s global apparel product assortment.

Richardson brings 30 years of retail industry experience to the position. Most recently, he served as vice president of franchise product for Gap Inc., managing the product teams in merchandising, planning and buying for the Gap, Banana Republic and Old Navy franchise businesses across approximately 40 countries.

“Michael’s strong background with one of the world’s top vertical retailers will prove invaluable as Columbia transforms into a multichannel consumer brand with a strong foundation leading the outdoor industry around the world,” said Boyle. “I look forward to Michael’s leadership contributions as we continue to evolve our brand to meet the needs of consumers around the globe.”

Added Richardson: “I’m excited to join a brand with such deep heritage, and I look forward to partnering with all of our international markets to develop a truly global product engine and strategy.”