After about eight years in the position, Sorel brand President Mark Nenow has resigned.
Columbia Sportswear Company — which owns the footwear brand Sorel — on Friday announced that Nenow has stepped down to focus on his health, according to a company press release. Senior Vice President of Emerging Brands Craig Zanon will lead the Sorel brand as the company searches for a replacement.
“Mark led the brand to ... $347 million in net sales in 2022,” Tim Boyle, chairman, president and CEO of Columbia Sportswear Company, said in a statement. “His leadership has been invaluable to this company, and we wish him the very best.”
Nenow joined the company in 2007 to lead footwear when he saw an opportunity to change Sorel from a predominantly men’s work boot brand to a “fashion-forward” women-led brand. He took on the president role in 2015, with Sorel seeing growth year over year under his leadership and becoming the second-largest brand in Columbia's portfolio, according to the company.
Columbia Sportswear Company reported first-quarter earnings in April, showing net sales increased 8% year over year to $820.6 million, partially thanks to direct-to-consumer growth. The company in April also appointed David Theiss as its new senior vice president of direct-to-consumer in North America.
Operating income in the quarter dropped 33% to $56.4 million while net income fell 31% to $46.2 million. The Sorel brand saw net sales decrease 5% from $63.6 million to $60.5 million. In addition to the Columbia brand, Columbia Sportswear Company also owns Mountain Hardwear and prAna.
