REI’s Board of Directors Promotes Four Corporate Officers

The board of directors of Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), the nation’s leading retailer of quality outdoor gear and clothing, has promoted four of the co-op’s corporate officers. Promotions were based on individual leadership and scope of responsibilities to help shape REI’s strategies in support of the co-op’s aspiration to serve outdoor enthusiasts 100 years from now and beyond.

Senior leaders who received promotions are:

Michelle Clements to senior vice president of Human Resources – Since joining REI in 2004 as vice president of Human Resources, Clements has supported enhanced training and development, and demonstrated her commitment to recruiting and retaining top talent, employee recognition programs, and enhancing the diversity of REI and its ability to create an inclusive environment. Her community involvement includes the board of directors for Leadership Tomorrow, the Human Resources board for the University of Washington Foster School of Business, YMCA and other organizations.

Matt Hyde to executive vice president of Merchandising and Marketing – Hyde began his career with REI in 1985 as a part-time sales associate in the Bellevue, Wash. store. In the decades of service to the co-op, he has helped shape the company’s direction through his management of Online, Direct Sales, Merchandising, Distribution, REI Gear & Apparel, Marketing, REI Adventures and Public Affairs. Hyde also works to support outdoor recreation and stewardship in non-profit leadership roles with the YMCA of the USA and Youth Outdoors Legacy Fund.

Brian Unmacht to executive vice president of Sales, Service, Store Development and Logistics – Unmacht began his career with REI in 1986 as a supervisor in the company’s Bellevue store. Through a number of leadership positions in REI’s retail stores and at its headquarters, he has been instrumental in shaping the company’s retail business and introducing the co-op’s commitment to outdoor recreation and stewardship in many new markets. In the past several years, Unmacht’s added responsibility includes overseeing Direct Sales, Distribution and REI Adventures. His service to the Outdoor Industry Association, American Hiking Society and EarthCorps has helped bring REI’s perspective and support to environmental stewards and outdoor enthusiasts across the country.

Catherine Walker to senior vice president of Legal, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary – Walker joined REI in 2006 after serving on REI’s board of directors from 1998 through 2005, where she helped shape the co-op’s governance practices for the future. In her current role, she oversees REI’s legal team and provides counsel to the company’s leadership team and departments. Outside of REI, she chairs the Seattle Chapter of the National Association of Corporate Directors and has been active in supporting many non-profit organizations.

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.