Outdoor Research, the Seattle-based maker of industry-leading apparel and gear, hired Roger Barton this month as head of finance and operations. Barton is a 24-year veteran of the outdoor and active apparel industry, with deep experience in financial management and operational oversight.
At Outdoor Research, Barton will lead the finance department and oversee enterprise resource planning and distribution. To those tasks, he brings a customer-centric perspective and successful track record of growing globally relevant and respected performance brands.
Barton comes to Outdoor Research from his post as chief financial officer of Newell Brands Technical Apparel, which includes the Marmot and ExOfficio brands. His career in the outdoor industry started in 1994 with Marmot during a period of rapid growth and global expansion. He continued through multiple acquisitions by K2 Sports, Jarden and Newell, working on brands that included Marker Skiwear, Adio Footwear and Zoot Sports, and held roles such as chief financial officer and senior vice president of finance and operations.
Barton grew up in the mountains of Colorado and holds a degree in finance and accounting from Pacific Union College in Napa Valley, CA. Prior to working in the Outdoor Industry, he worked for a CPA firm serving wine-industry clients in Napa and Sonoma Counties.
“We are delighted to have someone of Roger’s deep financial, operational and brand expertise join our team during this exciting time of growth at Outdoor Research,” said Michelle Wardian, president of Outdoor Research. “His passion for authentic and credible performance gear and apparel is part of his DNA, not to mention his intense focus on maintaining our brand’s unique outdoor heritage. We look forward to amplifying our commitment to product, and growing our operational expertise, with Roger’s knowledge, partnership and team contributions.”
About Outdoor Research
Outdoor Research is dedicated to inspiring the journey ahead with award-winning technical apparel and accessories. Based in Seattle since 1981, they are committed to improving their customers’ experiences through innovative materials, purpose-driven features and versatile products that are backed by their Infinite Guarantee. They rely on the real-world testing of their athlete ambassadors, mountain guides and local adventurers involved in their core sports: alpinism, rock and ice climbing, hiking, backpacking, paddling, trail running and backcountry skiing and snowboarding. They are here for the fun, adventure, excitement and For the Journey Ahead. Get to know them at outdoorresearch.com to follow the journey via Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.
