Duluth Holdings, Inc. (dba, Duluth Trading Company) is reporting that Sam Sato has informed the company that he plans to retire as president, CEO and Board member, effective April 25, 2025.
During the transition period, Stephen L. Schlecht, the company’s chairman of the Board, founder and former CEO, will assume day-to-day leadership of the company with Sato’s assistance.
The Board is undertaking a search for Sato’s replacement. The Board of Directors has appointed Schlecht as interim CEO, effective April 25, 2025, unless the Board concludes its CEO search before that date.
“As the Founder of Duluth Trading, I have a deep commitment to the ongoing success of our company. To ensure the continuity of our vision and the execution of our strategy, I am fully invested in reassuming leadership of the company until such time that a replacement is named. Over the years, I have been actively engaged with our talented senior leadership team, and we are committed to moving forward with no disruption to our business,” Schlecht commented.
“It has been a privilege to serve as President and CEO and member of the Board at Duluth Trading,” commented Sato, the former CEO of Finish Line and Nordstrom exec. “I am humbled and proud of what our team has accomplished and the progress we have made. Working with such talented and passionate team members has been an honor. I believe the future of Duluth Trading is bright. Finally, I want to sincerely thank Steve Schlecht for his support and partnership over the course of my tenure.”
Schlecht continued, “I appreciate Sam’s contributions and leadership in advancing the strategic roadmap and strengthening our omni-channel capabilities. On behalf of the Board of Directors, I want to thank Sam for his years of service and dedication and wish him the very best in his upcoming retirement.”
Images courtesy Duluth Holdings Inc.
