Business people : Columbia Sportswear Taps Morse for EMEA General Manager Post

Columbia Sportswear Company has appointed Doug Morse as interim general manager of the company’s Europe/Middle East/Africa (EMEA) region, replacing Christian Finell, who resigned to pursue other professional opportunities after serving as the company’s EMEA GM since December 2007.

Morse has served as general manager of Columbia’s Canadian operations since 2008 and is an 18-year veteran of the company, having also served in various U.S. leadership roles. He will lead the company’s EMEA go-to-market, sales, and marketing operations on an interim basis, while facilitating the search for a regional general manager.

“Doug is a valued Columbia veteran who brings a deep understanding of the strategies we are pursuing across our multi-brand platform,” said Tim Boyle, Columbia President and CEO. “He will be instrumental in maintaining continuity with our customers and consumers as we navigate the leadership transition in the EMEA region.”

“Columbia’s brands offer a unique combination of performance, style and value for these challenging economic times,” said Morse. “I look forward to working closely with our European team, and with our customers, to strengthen our brands’ connections with consumers and grow our businesses.”

( Source Columbia Company through SportsOneSource )