L.L.Bean announced long-time Chairman Leon A. Gorman is retiring and passing the torch to another descendant of company founder Leon Leonwood Gorman.

 

Gorman, who is the grandson of Leon Leonwood Bean, will be succeeeded by Shawn Gorman, 47, the founders great-grandson, the company told its 5,000 employees Monday. Shawn Gorman has worked at the company for more than 20 years, including senior vice president for brand communications, the Associated Press reported.  CEO Chris McCormick, who has served as the company first outside CEO since 2001, will retain that position.


Leon A. Gorman served as president and CEO for 33 years and as chairman for 12 years. He will retain the title of chairman emeritus.

 

Leon Leonwood Bean founded L.L. Bean in 1912 when he sent a mailer promoting a rubber soled boot to Maine’s hunters. The company opened its first store in 1917. Today, the company operates 131 stores, including 62 in China, and a major e-commerce site. It generated $1.52 billion in sales in 2012 and has become a de facto standard against which other  e-commerce brands measure them selves when it comes to customer service and satisfaction.