REI Names Ivar Chhina New Chief Financial Officer

Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI) today announced Ivar Chhina has been named the company’s chief financial officer.

Chhina, 46, has served REI as a member of the co-op’s board of directors since March 2006, most recently, as vice chair and as chair of the Audit and Finance Committee. He will resign his position on the board to serve the co-op as an employee.

“I am delighted to have the opportunity to work more closely with a person so deeply committed to REI’s purpose,” said Sally Jewell, REI’s president and CEO. “I am fully confident Ivar will complement our team by bringing strong skills in finance and technology, together with vision and commitment, to guide our co-op toward a bright future.”

Chhina brings years of executive, finance and technology experience to REI. He is currently a project-based partner with a San Francisco Bay Area private equity firm, and is also currently serving as a board member and interim CEO of a Texas-based health care organization. Previously, Chhina was chairman and CEO of a retail dental practice management franchise with 130 retail locations in eight western states.

“I am truly excited to join REI in this capacity,” said Chhina. “To work more directly for an organization I love deeply, in a business that has the potential to impact so many people’s lives in a positive way is the perfect role for me.”

Chhina holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics and Political Science from the University of Nevada – Reno, and a master’s degree in International Policy Studies from Middlebury College Monterey Institute.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Chhina has been active in the community, most recently serving in leadership capacities on the board of trustees of Fort Mason Center, which is dedicated to preserving and enhancing the nationally-significant historic Fort Mason site on San Francisco Bay as a National Park Service facility for a broad variety of artistic, cultural, educational and recreational uses by Bay Area residents.

In addition to mountaineering and rock climbing, Chhina is an avid mountain biker, road cyclist, backpacker and fly fisher, and also enjoys backcountry and cross country skiing.

About REI
REI is a national outdoor retail co-op dedicated to inspiring, educating and outfitting its members and the community for a lifetime of outdoor adventure and stewardship. Founded in 1938 by a group of Pacific Northwest mountaineers seeking quality equipment, REI operates retail stores nationwide, two online stores – http://www.rei.com and http://www.REI-OUTLET.com – and an adventure travel company, REI Adventures. REI offers products from all of the top brands for camping, climbing, cycling, fitness, hiking, paddling, snow sports and travel, including its own line of award-winning outdoor gear and apparel. While anyone may join or shop at REI, members pay a one-time $20 fee and receive a share in the company’s profits through an annual member refund based on their purchases. As an active supporter of the communities in which it does business, REI is committed to promoting environmental stewardship and increasing access to outdoor recreation through education, volunteerism, gear donations and financial contributions.