Mountain Hardwear(TM) Announces Appointment of Industry Veteran Kirk Richardson as Interim President Replacing Departing Co-Fou

Published in House and Home on Friday, November 6th 2009 at 6:06 GMT by Market Wire
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RICHMOND, CA and PORTLAND, OR--(Marketwire - November 6, 2009) - Mountain Hardwear Inc., a leading mountaineering, outdoor equipment and clothing company, and a wholly owned subsidiary of Columbia Sportswear Company (NASDAQ: [ COLM ]), today named Kirk Richardson to serve as interim president while the company conducts a search for a permanent replacement for co-founder and president Mike Wallenfels, who has resigned to pursue other professional opportunities.

Richardson, a thirty-year industry veteran, has served as general manager of Columbia Sportswear's footwear division since joining the company in December 2008. Prior to Columbia, Richardson served as president of Keen Footwear, following a 27-year career with Nike where he held various footwear and apparel leadership positions. Richardson is himself an avid climber and mountaineer and has devoted significant efforts to a number of conservation-focused causes to protect and enhance habitats for the benefit of all outdoor enthusiasts.

"We're fortunate to have a proven leader like Kirk to step in and guide Mountain Hardwear during this important transition," said Tim Boyle, president and CEO of Columbia Sportswear. "We believe the Mountain Hardwear brand has tremendous potential. We will be looking for a proven leader who understands the high performance demands of Mountain Hardwear's consumers and who can help the brand realize that potential."

Mike Wallenfels co-founded Mountain Hardwear in 1993 and continued as president of the brand after Columbia purchased the company in 2003. "Mike has been a solid source of leadership and continuity for Mountain Hardwear," said Boyle. "We appreciate all that he has done in building the Mountain Hardwear brand from its inception and growing the company's annual revenues to within reach of $100 million. We wish him great success in his future pursuits."

About Mountain Hardwear:

Mountain Hardwear, Inc. makes cutting edge mountaineering and outdoor equipment, apparel and accessories for ultimate performance in extreme conditions. Established in 1993 by a group of outdoor industry veterans, Mountain Hardwear is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Columbia Sportswear Company based in Richmond, Calif. Mountain Hardwear distributes its products through specialty outdoor and sporting goods retailers throughout the United States and over 40 countries worldwide. Mountain Hardwear has won numerous product and customer service awards since its inception, reflecting the company's commitment and passion toward innovation. It's our relentless drive to create the absolute best that makes us who we are. Mountain Hardwear. PERFORMANCE ELEVATED™. [ www.mountainhardwear.com ]

About Columbia Sportswear Company

Founded in 1938 in Portland, Oregon, Columbia Sportswear Company is a global leader in the design, sourcing, marketing and distribution of active outdoor apparel, footwear, accessories and equipment. As one of the largest outerwear manufacturers in the world and a leading seller of skiwear in the United States, the company has developed an international reputation for quality, performance, functionality and value. The company manages a portfolio of outdoor brands including Columbia Sportswear, Montrail, Mountain Hardwear, Pacific Trail, and Sorel. To learn more about Columbia, please visit the company's website at [ http://www.columbia.com/ ].

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Mountain Hardwear(TM) Announces Appointment of Industry Veteran Kirk Richardson as Interim President Replacing Departing Co-Fou