REI Names Jeff Zon Vice President of Information Services

In his role Zon leads a 180-member team responsible for technical services to REI’s business units, including application development and support, personal computing, architecture and networks. REI’s Information Services team also manages the customer-facing technology systems that make possible REI’s Gift Registry and online experience. He also chairs REI’s Information Services steering committee, a group that reviews and prioritizes the company’s technology capital improvements.

Zon brings 16 years of experience in information technology and finance to REI. Prior to joining the co-op, he spent almost nine years at Whole Foods Market, the world’s largest natural and organic foods retailer. He most recently served as group director of infrastructure, finance and retail systems, where he led the company’s technology architecture, vendor procurement strategies, and infrastructure support systems.

Founded in 1938 by a group of Pacific Northwest mountaineers seeking quality equipment, REI is today the nation’s largest consumer co-op with more than 3.1 million active members. REI offers products from all of the top brands for camping, climbing, cycling, hiking, outdoor cross-training, paddling, snow sports and travel, including its own line of award-winning gear and apparel.

REI currently operates 89 stores in 25 states, two online stores – REI.com and REI-OUTLET.com – and an adventure travel company, REI Adventures. While anyone may join or shop at REI, members pay a one-time $15 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.