Columbia Sportswear Company announced that Mark Nenow, president of the Sorel brand, has resigned to focus on his health.
Nenow joined the company in 2007 to the lead the footwear category. According to a news release, he recognized an opportunity to transform the Sorel brand from primarily focusing on men’s winter work boots to a fashion-forward, all-season, women’s-led brand.
Nenow became president of the Sorel brand in 2015 and implemented a growth strategy that applied a function-led style to boots, sandals, sneakers and more, according to a release.
Sorel has seen consistent growth year-over-year and is Columbia’s second-largest brand.
“Mark led the brand to $347 million in net sales in 2022,” said Tim Boyle, Chairman, President and CEO. “His leadership has been invaluable to this company, and we wish him the very best.”
In April, Sorel, posted a Q1 sales decline, a rarity of the brand, due to a challenging footwear market, and wet and cold spring weather. The brand’s revenue in the quarter totaled $61 million, down 3% in constant currency.
For the full year in 2022, the brand’s revenue grew 11% in constant currency.
Craig Zanon, senior vice president of emerging brands, will lead Sorel as Columbia searches for a replacement.
