The Outdoor and SnowSports industries saw some top-shelf talent moving around this week. The first news of the week to make headlines was Casey Sheahan’s official appointment as CEO and President of The Lost Arrow Corporation, parent of outdoor apparel company Patagonia, Inc. Mr. Sheahan had been acting as interim CEO & president for the past six months following Michael Crooke’s resignation in October. Mr. Sheahan has also been added to the Lost Arrow Board of Directors.

“Casey is a perfect fit for us,” Patagonia owner and founder Yvon Chouinard said in a prepared statement. “He’s a passionate athlete, he’s worked in the outdoor industry for years and he’s a committed environmental activist.”

Shortly after the news of Sheahan’s appointment, Obermeyer president Bill Post resigned his position “to pursue other opportunities.” The company has not chosen a replacement, but Klaus Obermeyer will continue as CEO and the company hired Alan Stewart as its new Director of Production. Mr. Stewart was previously Director of Global Sourcing and Production for Columbia Sportswear.

Finally, former Cascade Designs president and CEO, Lee Fromson, joined REI to head up their private label program as VP of Gear and Apparel. REI's Gear and Apparel team develops, designs, and sources equipment and apparel for the REI brand and the Novara bicycle brand. The division accounts for about 20% of REI's total sales, or roughly $200 million, making it one of the largest brands in the outdoor industry. The group has 59 staff members with experience in all elements product development.

“I have a long history with REI as a vendor and business partner, and I have great respect for the company and all it does,” said Mr. Fromson. “The chance to join such a dynamic company and work with a team dedicated to making great product was too good an opportunity to miss. I've been increasingly impressed with a team of professionals at REI that is building a very strong reputation for its brand and its products in the outdoor industry.”