Copyright The Oregonian
Columbia Sportswear on Wednesday announced part of its succession plan for longtime Chief Executive Officer Tim Boyle, one of the region’s most high-profile business leaders. The outdoor apparel company named Peter Bragdon and Joseph Boyle co-presidents, effective immediately, signaling that one of the two is likely to become the company’s next top executive. Columbia Sportswear is the second-largest company in Oregon’s signature athletic and outdoor industry, behind only Nike. It employs nearly 10,000 workers and had $3.4 billion in sales last year. Tim Boyle, 76, became CEO in 1988. The company went public in 1998 and trades on the Nasdaq exchange, where it has a $2.8 billion market capitalization. Boyle is active in the community, including through political donations, investing in the Portland Thorns, signaling his interest in buying a share of the Portland Trail Blazers, giving the state money for litter removal and speaking at civic events. Bragdon is a longtime Boyle confidante and most recently served as an executive vice president, chief administrative officer and general counsel. As co-president, he will oversee Columbia’s international business, as well as its Mountain Hardwear, prAna and Sorel brands. He will also continue overseeing some administrative and distributor functions. As co-president, Joseph Boyle, Tim Boyle’s son, will oversee the Columbia brand, including North America, its largest sales territory. Bragdon and Joseph Boyle will report to Tim Boyle. “I look forward to seeing Peter and Joe grow the Company together in their new roles,” Tim Boyle said in a press release.
