Michael Crooke, president and CEO of Lost Arrow Corporation, Patagonia’s parent company, will step down at the beginning of November after seven years in the position. Lost Arrow’s Board of Directors has named Casey Sheahan as interim president and CEO of Patagonia. Sheahan, who is currently Patagonia’s new business director, has several years of experience at the helm of Kelty as president and CEO and has also served as president of the Conservation Alliance. He will serve in the interim post for a six-month period starting November 1, 2005.

According to the company, Crooke will remain on the Board of Directors of Lost Arrow Corporation for the foreseeable future. Michael plans on completing his PhD dissertation in the coming months, and hopes to enjoy personal time as he decides on the next steps of his career.

“We have innumerable reasons to thank Michael for his many significant contributions to the growth and vitality of Patagonia over the seven years he has been with us,” Patagonia owner and founder Yvon Chouinard said in a prepared statement, “Malinda and I, as well as the Board of Directors and our senior management team are excited about Casey’s new responsibility and the long-term prospects of this company. We hope our company and the entire outdoor industry will welcome Casey into his new role.”