Columbia Sportswear is moving forward with its succession plan, appointing two longtime executives, Peter J. Bragdon and Joseph P. Boyle, to serve as co-presidents.
Chairman and CEO Tim Boyle will continue in his current roles, according to a news release. The move signals a clear path forward for the leadership of the Portland, Ore.-based outdoor apparel and footwear company.
“I have spent most of my life growing the company and its several brands,” said Timothy P. Boyle in a statement. “Protecting the brands, with the help of many dedicated colleagues, while expanding our global footprint, has been a source of great pride. As the company returns to growth, new opportunities will be developed, and enthusiastic leadership will be in place to take the company to the next level.”
Under the new structure:
- Bragdon has been appointed President of the company. His responsibilities will include all international businesses, along with the Mountain Hardwear, Prana and Sorel brands. He will also maintain his executive oversight of certain administrative functions and international distributor sales.
- Joseph P. Boyle has been named President, Columbia Brand. He will continue to lead the company’s namesake brand, including its North America business, which was consolidated under his leadership in the summer of 2025.
The two will work together and continue to report to Tim Boyle, according to the release.
“I look forward to seeing Peter and Joe grow the company together in their new roles,” Tim Boyle said.
Leadership Backgrounds
Both appointees are company veterans. Peter Bragdon joined Columbia in 1999 and has served as a key strategic leader and advisor. He most recently oversaw the company’s international distributor businesses across 74 countries.
Joe Boyle, who is the son of Tim Boyle and the grandson of former Columbia President Gert Boyle, is credited as the architect of the Columbia brand’s “Project Accelerate” strategy, a plan aimed at driving growth in the U.S. market. He led Columbia’s buzzy new marketing campaign, “Engineered for Whatever.”
Recent Company Performance
The leadership transition comes as Columbia navigates a mixed financial landscape. In its recent third-quarter report, the company posted a 1% increase in net sales to $943.4 million, but it is also facing potential tariff increases that could cost up to $160 million annually.
International growth has been a bright spot, helping to offset weakness in the U.S. market. Performance across its brand portfolio has been varied:
- The Columbia brand reported 1% net sales growth as international expansion offset U.S. market challenges.
- Sorel showed signs of a turnaround with 10% net sales growth, helped by earlier timing of fall wholesale shipments.
- Prana showed signs of recovery with 6% growth in the quarter, with expansion in both DTC and wholesale channels.
- Mountain Hardwear struggled with a 5% decline in net sales, driven by lower clearance activity compared to elevated levels in the prior year.
Kate Robertson can be reached at kate@shop-eat-surf-outdoor.com.
