Columbia Sportswear appoints SVP for Europe
Columbia Sportswear Company has appointed Franco Fogliato as senior vice-president (SVP) of Europe, reporting directly to president and CEO Tim Boyle. He will take on the role from November 4.
Mr Fogliato will be responsible for establishing and executing sales, distribution and marketing strategies for the company’s Columbia Sportswear, Mountain Hardwear, and Sorel brands.
He brings 17 years of European sales and marketing experience in the action sports and outdoor footwear and apparel industries to the position. Since 2004, Mr Fogliato has served as general manager of Europe for the Billabong Group and as a member of the company’s executive board. Between 1997 and 2003, he held various European leadership roles with The North Face brand, ending as general manager of Western Europe.
“Our selection of a person with Franco’s extensive European leadership experience reflects our strong commitment to Europe as a critical region for the company’s long-term success,” said Columbia president and CEO Tim Boyle.
“He understands the European consumer and has strong relationships with our valued wholesale customers throughout the region. We look forward to his contributions as we seek to drive consumer demand in key European markets and improve our regional profitability.”
Doug Morse, who has served as interim general manager of the company’s Europe-direct business since February 2013, will work with Mr Fogliato until the end of the year to ensure a smooth transition. He will then relocate to the company’s headquarters in Portland, Oregon, from January 2014 to assume the newly created role of chief business development and strategic planning officer, reporting to SVP of finance and chief financial officer Tom Cusick.
