Columbia Sportswear names Walbrecht to lead Mountain Hardwear brand

Published 12:00 am Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Columbia Sportswear Co. has named John Christian Walbrecht as president of its Mountain Hardwear brand.

Walberecht takes his new job March 7. In his new role, Walbrecht will be responsible for leading all aspects of Mountain Hardwear’s global brand positioning and go-to-market product, sales and marketing strategies.

“The Mountain Hardwear brand plays an important role within our portfolio of brands that connect active people with their passions,” said Columbia Sportswear Company President Bryan Timm. “John has spent his career building brands that connect deeply with passionate, outdoor consumers through high-performance apparel, footwear, accessories and equipment. We are confident that he will help us unlock the global potential of the Mountain Hardwear brand.”

“I am excited to join the Mountain Hardwear team and to begin evolving the strategic direction for a brand that has always stood for innovation, performance, and design integrity,” Walbrecht said. “Mountain Hardwear’s history of serving the needs of some of the most demanding and accomplished alpinists in the world is a testament to its unique DNA and to its potential to inspire and connect with consumers around the world.”

Walbrecht has been a leader in the outdoor industry for the past 17 years. Since 2012 he has served as president/CEO of Fenix Outdoors North America, based in Boulder, Colo.