Patagonia Inc. promoted Doug Freeman to the position of chief operating officer, effective immediately.
As COO, Freeman (shown at right) will provide strategic vision, leadership, and operational expertise in directing Patagonia’s business strategies both domestically and abroad in the following areas:
- Advanced Product R&D
- Materials R&D
- Quality
- Product Development
- Production & Sourcing
- Social & Environmental Responsibility
- Operations/Customs & Trade
- Reno Distribution Center
Freeman will act as a key partner to Patagonia’s sales, marketing and product teams who continue to develop innovative products in an environmentally responsible manner. As COO, Freeman will report to Casey Sheahan, Patagonia’s chief executive officer.
Im extremely confident in Doug’s ability to oversee such critical areas of the business, notes Casey Sheahan, Patagonia’s chief executive officer, Doug brings not only an extensive operational background to the table, but also a rich history and deep understanding of the Patagonia brand.”
Freeman brings 24 years of operational experience to this new role, having served as Patagonia, Inc.’s vice president of production for the last six years. Prior to that role, Freeman served as Patagonia’s sourcing manager for Asia, and has held director-level positions at Polo Ralph Lauren, The North Face, and Sport Obermeyer.
Having graduated in 1984 with a degree in English from the University of California, Berkeley, Freeman enjoys spending time with his family, in addition to backcountry skiing and fly-fishing in his hometown of Basalt, CO.
