Patagonia Announces New Director of U.S. Wholesale

Posted: 06/30/2009 In Category: Outdoor Retail

Industry News Release Written By: Jen Rapp

Patagonia announces today that long-term veteran employee Bruce Old has accepted the position of Director of US Wholesale. In his new role Bruce will report to the company’s VP of US Sales and oversee the US sales reps, Dealer Services in Reno, and Patagonia's Corporate Sales Team managed by Tanya Faw. Bruce joined Patagonia in 1992 as a sales associate in our Boston store and has run the gauntlet of jobs ever since from Boston Store Manager, to Dealer Services Manager, to his most recent dual role as Director of Customer Contact and Western Sales Manager.

“Bruce has excelled in each of his roles at Patagonia, and in this past year he and his western team have continued to grow sales in a challenging market,” noted John Collins, Patagonia’s vice president of sales, “We are confident that under Bruce’s leadership, our sales team will provide the tools and support that our dealers need to have continued success with the Patagonia brand".

With Bruce in the new role, Brian Mecham will now serve as Patagonia's Western Regional Sales Manager. Brian joined Patagonia in 2002 and served most recently as the company's Rockies Sales Rep. Brian will partner with Walt Bailey who is Patagonia's Eastern Regional Sales Manager, and Brian Bennett, who manages Patagonia's Fly Fishing sales force.

"Brian Mecham has been one of our strongest reps, and a leader among his peers,” John continued, “He will make a great addition to our sales management team."

In light of these changes, Matt O'Connor, who is currently Patagonia’s Rockies fish rep, will replace Brian Mecham as Patagonia’s Rockies sales representative.

These recent and exciting moves were brought about by Patagonia’s continually growing business and the company’s desire to strengthen its management team to best serve its customers.

Patagonia, with sales last year of $315M, is noted internationally for its commitment to product quality and environmental activism. Its Environmental Grants Program has contributed over $34M to grassroots environmental activists since the program began in 1985, and its Environmental Internship Program allows employees to work for environmental groups while receiving their full paycheck. Incorporating environmental responsibility in to product development, the company has, since 1996, used only organically-grown cotton in its clothing line, and its most recent launch of synthetic fiber-to-fiber recycling – taking back its worn-out clothing and reincarnating it as new products, forever capturing the petroleum used in making virgin fiber. Known for a unique corporate culture, the company has been recognized for many years by Working Mother magazine as one of the “100 Best Companies for Working Mothers,” and is a regular recipient of recognition by Fortune and Human Resources Management magazine as one of the “100 Best Companies to Work for in America. ”

Contact: Jen Rapp, (805) 667-4768, jen_rapp@patagonia.com
259 West Santa Clara Street, Ventura, Calif. 93001
Phone (805) 643-8616
www.patagonia.com

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