Columbia Sportswear Realigns Management to Boost Growth

Outdoor and sports apparel maker Columbia Sportswear Company (COLM) is geared to expand its leadership team to fuel growth. The company recently added Steve Woodside and Stuart Redsun to its management.

Woodside was appointed as the newly created vice president of global manufacturing on Aug 25, 2014 and will report directly to Columbia Sportswear’s chief operating officer, Bryan Timm. In his 25-year career in the global supply chain for apparel, footwear, accessories and equipment business, Woodside served at Nike Inc. (NKE) for 23 years and handled assignments in various Asian countries such as Taiwan, Indonesia, Vietnam, China and Hong Kong. He also served in Hong Kong as VF Corp.’s (VFC) Vice President of global footwear, overseeing global footwear sourcing and manufacturing.

Stuart Redsun will report to Tim Boyle, Columbia Sportswear’s president and CEO. In his new role, effective Oct 6, 2014, Redsun will be responsible for developing and executing global consumer marketing programs for the Columbia, Sorel and Montrail brands.

Redsun boasts years of experience in the sportswear industry. He began his marketing career at Nike and later held marketing leadership position in Under Armour, Inc (UA). He also has experience in marketing communications for global technology brands Gateway, Motorola and Sony.

We expect Columbia Sports to further bolster its position in the sportswear industry buoyed by the experience of its new leaders. The company also announced the retirement of current Vice President of Global Marketing, Dan Hanson, and current Vice President of Global Apparel Manufacturing, Patrick Werner.

Columbia Sports carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell).

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