Mike Wallenfels, VP of sales and marketing at Mountain Hardwear for the past ten years, has been promoted to president, succeeding Jack Gilbert, co-founder of the company. Wallenfels will begin in his new role on the first of the year, while Gilbert will transition into the role of Senior Strategic Planning Advisor.

“Jack has been an icon in the outdoor industry for many years, and we express our appreciation for his service to Mountain Hardwear and our industry. His dedication to the Company and its employees are greatly appreciated. We look forward to his continued contributions to Mountain Hardwear,” said Tim Boyle, President and CEO of Columbia Sportswear, parent company of Mountain Hardwear.

Gilbert has been a key player in the outdoor industry for three decades. Gilbert created Mountain Hardwear in late 1993 after attempting an MBO of Sierra Designs, a company he had run since 1989. Columbia acquired MHW in April 2003 in a deal worth $36 million.

Prior to SD, Gilbert was the first publisher of Outdoor Retailer Magazine and was instrumental in establishing the first Outdoor Retailer Summer and Winter Markets. Mr. Gilbert’s first job in the outdoor industry was as the VP of Sales and Marketing at The North Face where he helped to develop the look and feel of the brand as we know it today. He held this position from “sometime in the early 70’s” until 1988, when TNF was sold for the first time. (See BOSS_0419 for Gilbert interview).

“Mike is well qualified to step into the President’s role at Mountain Hardwear. He has been instrumental in developing and executing Mountain Hardwear’s strategic direction, and has a strong grasp of all aspects of sales and merchandising for the brand. His knowledge and understanding of the outdoor industry will prove invaluable as Mountain Hardwear leverages its strengths in the specialty dealer channel,” commented Gilbert.

Wallenfels has been with Mountain Hardwear since 1993. He joined the Company following a successful sales career with Sierra Designs, and has contributed to the outdoor industry at large by serving as a board member of the OIA for the past four years.