#USA #Seattle #REI Co-op #Eric Artz #Mary Beth Laughton

Leadership Change at REI Co-op

In a significant development for the outdoor retail community, Eric Artz, the serving President and CEO of REI Co-op, has announced his retirement effective March 2025. This marks an important transition for the co-op, which is entering its 87th year in a landscape that has seen immense change in retail dynamics.

Mary Beth Laughton, previously a Board Director for REI and a highly experienced retail leader with an impressive background in companies like Nike, Athleta, and Sephora, will be taking over as the new President of REI on February 3, 2025. She will officially become CEO on March 31, 2025. The transition comes during a time when the co-op has reported solid performance as it looks ahead to a more dynamic retail landscape.

Artz has led REI through tremendous challenges over the years, including significant shifts brought about by the pandemic. His commitment to the co-op's core values, its members, and a strong emphasis on sustainability has left a lasting impact. According to Chris Carr, Chair of the REI Board, Artz has successfully steered the organization while ensuring that the company's purpose remained at the forefront of decision making.

In his farewell message to employees, Artz expressed his gratitude, stating, “Serving you and this enduring organization has been the honor of my professional life. Our job is to show one another the beauty of the great outdoors and to make that experience accessible.” The values instilled by Artz during his tenure have created a solid foundation for Laughton as she steps into this new role.

Laughton herself has voiced her commitment to maintaining REI's unique culture while pushing the boundaries of what the co-op can achieve. “No other company balances purpose and performance quite like REI, and we must ensure it thrives for generations to come,” she stated. Her leadership style, which blends passion for the outdoors with tested retail expertise, positions her as an ideal fit for the co-op as it works to navigate its next chapter.

The upcoming months are expected to be active for Laughton as she engages directly with employees, partners, and locals to form deeper connections and understand the various aspects of the business across stores and distribution centers. This hands-on approach will be vital in ensuring a smooth transition while fostering innovation and community trust.

REI has expressed optimism as it aims to fulfill its financial goals for 2024, hoping to achieve a break-even operating profit and closely monitor its Free Cash Flow to ensure stability and growth. The organization has focused heavily on creating a supportive and sustainable environment for its members while expanding its retail presence.

Overall, REI is welcoming a new chapter filled with potential. Under Laughton’s leadership, the co-op has the opportunity to explore new initiatives to enrich the lives of outdoor enthusiasts while still adhering to the core principles that have defined REI for decades. As the co-op embarks on this transitional journey, it is clear that its mission remains steadfast: to make life outside accessible for all, adhering to a participatory ethos that governs its operations.