Patagonia today (June 5, 2013) announced another promotion from within as Doug Freeman became COO. He is replacing former COO and CFO of Patagonia apparel Rose Marcario who was moved to be the new president and CEO of Patagonia Works in May of 2013.Freeman brings 24 years of operational experience to this new role, having served as Patagonia, Inc.’s vice president of production for the last six years. Prior to that role, Freeman served as Patagonia’s sourcing manager for Asia, and has held director-level positions at Polo Ralph Lauren, The North Face, and Sport Obermeyer.
For the the official word from Patagonia follow the jump.
PATAGONIA, INC. PROMOTES DOUG FREEMAN AS NEW CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
FREEMAN, A 17-YEAR VETERAN OF PATAGONIA, WILL OVERSEE ALL APPAREL OPERATIONS.
VENTURA, Calif. (June 6, 2013) – Patagonia Inc., the outdoor apparel company, formally announces today the strategic promotion of Doug Freeman as the company’s new Chief Operating Officer, effective immediately.
As Chief Operating Officer, Freeman will provide strategic vision, leadership, and operational expertise in directing Patagonia’s business strategies both domestically and abroad in the following areas:
– Advanced Product R&D
– Materials R&D
– Quality
– Product Development
– Production & Sourcing
– Social & Environmental Responsibility
– Operations/Customs & Trade
– Reno Distribution Center
Freeman will act as a key partner to Patagonia’s sales, marketing and product teams who continue to develop innovative products in an environmentally responsible manner. As COO, Freeman will report to Casey Sheahan, Patagonia’s chief executive officer.
“I’m extremely confident in Doug’s ability to oversee such critical areas of the business,” notes Casey Sheahan, Patagonia’s chief executive officer, “Doug brings not only an extensive operational background to the table, but also a rich history and deep understanding of the Patagonia brand.”
Freeman brings 24 years of operational experience to this new role, having served as Patagonia, Inc.’s vice president of production for the last six years. Prior to that role, Freeman served as Patagonia’s sourcing manager for Asia, and has held director-level positions at Polo Ralph Lauren, The North Face, and Sport Obermeyer.
Having graduated in 1984 with a degree in English from the University of California, Berkeley, Freeman enjoys spending time with his family, in addition to backcountry skiing and fly-fishing in his hometown of Basalt, CO.
About Patagonia
Patagonia, Inc., based in Ventura, California, is a leading designer of core outdoor, snow, surf and sport-related apparel, equipment, footwear and accessories. The company is noted internationally for its commitment to authentic product quality and environmental activism, contributing over $49M in cash and in-kind donations to date. Incorporating environmental responsibility into product development, the company has, since 1996, used only organically grown cotton in its clothing line. Committed to making its products landfill-free, the company’s entire product line is recyclable through its Common Threads Initiative. The company also advocates corporate transparency through its interactive website, The Footprint Chronicles, which outlines the environmental and social footprint of individual products.
Patagonia, Inc., based in Ventura, California, is a leading designer of core outdoor, snow, surf and sport-related apparel, equipment, footwear and accessories. The company is noted internationally for its commitment to authentic product quality and environmental activism, contributing over $49M in cash and in-kind donations to date. Incorporating environmental responsibility into product development, the company has, since 1996, used only organically grown cotton in its clothing line. Committed to making its products landfill-free, the company’s entire product line is recyclable through its Common Threads Initiative. The company also advocates corporate transparency through its interactive website, The Footprint Chronicles, which outlines the environmental and social footprint of individual products.
