Mark Bryden Named Interim SmartWool General Manager

Mark Bryden Named Interim SmartWool General Manager
Chip Coe Retires After Six Years of Dedicated Service

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO – (September 29, 2006) – SmartWool Corporation, the Steamboat Springs, Colorado-based manufacturer of high-quality, versatile merino wool products today announces Mark Bryden will serve as interim General Manager following the retirement of Chip Coe, effective immediately.

Currently VP Operations, Mr. Bryden begins leadership of SmartWool with over 27 years experience in apparel marketing and manufacturing industry. Prior to SmartWool, Mr. Bryden’s experience includes roles or positions leading sales, retail marketing and global supply chain efforts at Levi Strauss, among other director and VP level responsibilities throughout Levi Strauss. Joining SmartWool as VP Operations in 2004, Mr. Bryden promoted a high level of organizational and strategic thinking. His leadership of the operations team led to significant growth in personnel and responsibility, allowing the team to flourish as well as spawning motivation for organizational growth within other departments at SmartWool.

In response to the announcement of his new position, Mr. Bryden said, “I am humbled and excited by this honor and opportunity. As a SmartWool insider for the past couple of years, I have watched with excitement and pride as new challenges and opportunities have arisen. We have an amazing management team in place, which is ready to take SmartWool to the next level. I look forward to building on the legacy Chip is leaving behind and further building the team, product line and reputation of SmartWool as brand and industry leader.”

After more than six years leading SmartWool, including the successful integration of SmartWool with the Timberland Company, Chip Coe has announced his retirement to pursue other interests. “My departure comes at a time of phenomenally strong company performance with incredible prospects for future growth – growth for the brand and growth opportunities for each of the valued SmartWool employees,“ said Coe. “I look forward to watching the continued growth for years to come.”

Mr. Bryden will be working closely with Mr. Coe to transition responsibilities over the next two weeks. Mr. Bryden will lead the SmartWool team on an interim basis until a decision on a permanent successor is made.