Johnnie-O named John Collins as CEO and Board member, succeeding Dave Gatto, who, the company reported, has “played an instrumental role in Johnnie-O’s journey as CEO and Board director since January 2015.” The company also shared that Gatto would retire this year after a “remarkable career, including the nearly nine years he spent building the Johnnie-O brand and positioning it for future expansion.”
After a stint in advertising world at Young & Rubicam, Collins created and ran a fly-fishing retail operation before joining Patagonia as a sales rep in 1996. Fast forward nearly 25 years and numerous promotions to roles of increasing responsibility and Collins left Patagonia in 2021 after serving as head of global sales and customer experience for eight years.
Johnnie-O said his extensive experience includes leadership roles in domestic and international sales and general management, showcasing his ability to connect with consumers globally and drive brand growth in the competitive retail environment.
“This is an important and exciting moment in the company’s growth,” said Collins. “As a Johnnie-O customer, I was already aware of our great product and when I dug deeper, I found a fantastic community of people. From our employees to our customers, Johnnie-O resonates so well, and I am grateful that Dave Gatto, John O’Donnell, and the larger Johnnie-O team are entrusting me to help lead the brand into its next phase.”
In his new role, Collins will focus on accelerating the growth of Johnnie-O’s business through increased brand investment and omni-channel expansion, including wholesale and branded retail development. He will also employ strategic digital and DTC-led initiatives to support sustained brand growth and explore entering new product categories to better serve Johnnie-O consumers.
“It was important to me and the Johnnie-O Board of Directors that my successor was someone who valued authenticity and integrity and would not only uphold the work we’ve done to bolster the brand but make even greater progress towards our growth goals,” explained Gatto in a statement. “I am thrilled that we found that person in JC. With JC’s strong track record in leadership and a clear vision for the future, I am confident that he will help take Johnnie-O to new heights.”
The new CEO’s focus on product excellence and customer satisfaction is said to align perfectly with the values and vision of Johnnie-O.
“John brings a wealth of experience and expertise in cultivating brands that consumers love and trust,” said company Founder John O’Donnell. “I look forward to working with him on the next big chapter for Johnnie-O and bringing the company’s full potential to life. I also want to thank Dave for his many years of service to Johnnie-O and wish him the best as he embarks on retirement. His impact on me and Johnnie-O is lasting, and I know he’ll continue to embody the j-O ethos in the sun, surf, and on the links.”
The company said it had revenue growth in excess of 20 percent annually in 16 out of the 17 years since its inception. Following a successful round of minority investment funding in 2022, investment in its e-commerce and retail channels, and expansion of the brand’s marketing leadership with the appointment of Norma Delaney as CMO, Johnnie-O said it has continued to make significant strides in the last year to solidify its position as a premium retail brand.
Photos courtesy Johnnie-O
