Columbia Sportswear Company promoted David M. Brulé to serve as general manager of the company’s wholly owned Canadian subsidiary, based in London, Ontario, Canada, effective immediately.
Mr. Brulé, 48, will be responsible for partnering with Columbia Sportswear Company's brand leaders to advance and execute sales, distribution, and marketing strategies in Canada, where Columbia's brands are sold to approximately 1,000 wholesale customers and directly to consumers through owned outlet stores and ecommerce sites.
Brulé has served as interim general manager and director of the company’s Canadian retail operations for the past year, and previously served as director of operations from 2009 to 2011. In addition to his career at Columbia, Dave was senior vice president of Green Earth Stores, Ltd. and served for 11 years as director of retail for Reebok Canada, Inc. In each of those roles, he led the development and successful execution of profitable retail and marketing strategies that drove profitable growth.
“We are fortunate to have someone of Dave’s character and experience to lead our Canadian team,” said Russ Hopcus, Columbia Sportswear’s senior vice president of North American sales. “He has a deep knowledge of the Canadian market, strong relationships with our key customers, and the full support of our corporate leadership team.”
Brulé added, “I feel privileged to have the opportunity to expand the Canadian market for Columbia Sportswear Company and look forward to continuing to work with my Canadian teammates to connect active people with their passions.”
Brulé succeeds Dave Van Trigt, who served as the company’s general manager of Canada from 2012 until his untimely passing earlier this year.
In addition to the Columbia® brand, Columbia Sportswear Company also owns the Sorel, Mountain Hardwear, Prana, Montrail and OutDry brands.
