Outdoor apparel manufacturer Patagonia has hired Marty Pomphrey as general manager of Patagonia Japan. Mr Pomphrey will oversee Patagonia’s growing business in Japan, which started in 1988 and today includes more than 500 employees and 22 stores. 

With 24 years of experience building businesses as a corporate executive, consultant and an entrepreneur, Mr Pomphrey started his professional career in Tokyo as an analyst and later a category sales manager at Nike Japan. He went on to become director of operations and then managing director for Fossil Japan in Tokyo, and later served in various VP positions at their US headquarters. In this role he will report to John Collins, vice president of global sales.

“Marty has extensive large-company experience and passion, as well as a strong connection to and deep understanding of Japanese business and culture,” said Mr Collins. “As we continue to grow our business and our environmental activism in Japan, Marty’s thoughtful leadership and unconventional career path provide an ideal foundation for success.”

Mr Pomphrey replaces Takasuki Tsuji who held the role for the last ten years. Describing the former general manager as instrumental in growing the business in Japan, Patagonia expressed their gratitude for the long-time employee; Mr Tsujii joined Patagonia in 1999 as a part-time associate in Patagonia’s Shibuya store and held many roles before becoming general manager.