Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s announced that Phil Graves has been named chief sustainability officer.
Graves brings nearly two decades of leadership in sustainability efforts, strategic planning, finance, and environmentally responsible investing for global companies, including Patagonia, where he previously served as vice president of corporate development.
“Conservation is central to everything we do, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome an industry-recognized leader in sustainability to our Great American Outdoors Group of companies,” said noted conservationist and Bass Pro Shops founder/CEO, Johnny Morris. “Phil’s talents and passion for the outdoors make him a natural fit for this role, and his leadership and expertise will advance our conservation mission and impact across North America.”
At Patagonia, Graves led the company’s $79 million Tin Shed Ventures corporate venture capital unit, which invested in environmentally-minded start-up companies. He also launched and oversaw the brand’s Worn Wear certified pre-owned division and managed the overall corporate development team. Before Patagonia, Graves also held roles at Deloitte and PWC.
An avid sportsman, Graves grew up hunting and fishing with his grandfather, and he carries on a love of wing shooting and exploring wild places with his wife and three young daughters.
“I grew up loving the outdoors and am passionate about the role businesses can, and should, play in enhancing the natural world around us,” said Graves. “It’s an honor to join a visionary like Johnny Morris to lead sustainability efforts for North America’s premier outdoor and conservation company while inspiring the next generation of conservationists through the invaluable work of the Johnny Morris Conservation Foundation.”
Graves will work closely with Morris to advance sustainability efforts throughout the organization, including manufacturing, supply chain and operations. Reducing its environmental footprint is an extension of Bass Pro Shops’ long-term commitment to conservation.
Graves will also work alongside Bob Ziehmer, Bass Pro Shops senior director of conservation, to further expand wildlife conservation and educational programs under the not-for-profit Johnny Morris Conservation Foundation. In addition to operating two of the nation’s conservation attractions, Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium and Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, The Foundation is forging an alliance to lead North America’s largest conservation movement.
Photos courtesy Bass Pro Shops, Phil Graves
