Columbia Sportswear names Dean Rurak as senior VP of North America sales at namesake brand

By

Robin Driver

Published
Sep 19, 2018

The Columbia Sportswear Company announced on Tuesday that it has appointed 21-year company veteran Dean Rurak as senior vice president of North America sales for its namesake Columbia brand.

 
In his new position, Rurak will oversee the brand's sales activities in the region and report directly to Franco Fogliato, executive vice president and Americas general manager for Columbia Sportswear Company.
 
Rurak, who is currently Columbia’s vice president of US apparel sales, first began working for the company as a regional brand sales representative in Canada.

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Since moving to Columbia’s Portland, Oregon HQ in 2008, he has served in a number of key strategic roles in sales and product management. His previous titles have included director of international merchandising, senior director of global apparel and VP of Columbia Brand apparel.
 
“Dean has developed a well-rounded, global perspective of our business with a strong understanding of the Columbia brand consumer,” said Fogliato in a release. “Going forward, Dean’s leadership will be instrumental as we work to drive future growth in North America and deliver on our brand mission of unlocking the outdoors for everyone.”
 
Rurak succeeds Joe Craig, who is retiring after 23 years with the company. Craig will continue to collaborate with Columbia as a consultant on select projects and will still represent the company as a member of the Board of non-profit organization The Conservation Alliance.
 
In July, the Columbia Sportswear Company reported better-than-expected net sales growth of 21%, with sales at the Columbia brand increasing 22% to $414.8 million.
 
Rurak’s appointment is effective October 2, 2018.