The North Face president, Steve Rendle, received The Mountain Institute’s distinguished Exemplary Corporate Stewardship of Mountains 2007 award. The Exemplary Corporate Stewardship of Mountains Awards recognizes individuals who are dedicated to protecting mountain cultures, and embody the mountain spirit. Rendle joins past recipients such as Conrad Anker and Rick Ridgeway.

“I am honored to receive such a prestigious award on behalf of The North Face,” stated Rendle. “It is a great recognition of our athletes’ and team efforts to give back to the communities where we explore-it truly is an honor.”

The North Face was founded on a culture of environmental sustainability and social responsibility while simultaneously advancing its position as the industry’s key innovator of products for the outdoors athlete.
Since Mr. Rendle joined the company, The North Face launched the philanthropic expedition program which provides support to the local communities who assist the athletes in their quest to reach the summits and explore the remote regions of the world. Two such programs include the Himalayan Cataract Project to cure blindness in remote mountain villages in Nepal, and the Alex Lowe Charitable Foundation to teach lifesaving climbing and rope techniques to Sherpa’s.

Through these athlete philanthropic expeditions, Mr. Rendle and The North Face have demonstrated that the production of quality products can go hand-in-hand with care of the environment and social entrepreneurship.

“Whether Mr. Rendle is in his office at The North Face or outdoors gear testing, he truly lives the brand and empowers others to do so as well,” said Bob Davis, President, The Mountain Institute, “We are proud to recognize his achievements.”

Prior to joining The North Face, Rendle held the position of Director of North American Sales and Operations for the global apparel manufacturer, Youngone Corporation, gaining experience in all aspects of technical apparel production and internal business operations. In the nine years before his time at Youngone, he was in a leadership position at W.L. Gore and Associates’ Fabrics Division, garnering extensive knowledge of performance textile design and manufacturing, sales and marketing.

The Mountain Institute was founded in 1972 at the Spruce Knob Mountain Center in Pendleton County, West Virginia. Since then it has evolved significantly and diversified its programs under the leadership of many gifted visionaries. For additional information, please visit www.mountain.org.