Raquel Karls Joins REI as Senior Vice President of Human Resources

Nov 4, 2016

SEATTLE – REI, the outdoor co-op and national specialty retailer, welcomes Raquel Karls as its senior vice president of Human Resources.

Karls’ career spans more than 20 years with purpose-driven brands. Most recently, she served as chief human resources officer at Outerwall, the company behind brands including Coinstar, Redbox and ecoATM. There, she led a redesign of all people programs, including performance management, engagement, talent reviews and HRIS systems. She has also spent time in leadership roles in Human Resources at other northwest organizations, including Starbucks and Expedia, and worked in various leadership positions at Pepsi.

“REI is a unique place. Supporting our employees is one of the most important things we do as a co-op. Raquel is a dynamic leader with a love of the outdoors, a clear point of view and a passion for building a thriving team. Under her leadership, we will continue to build our reputation as one of the best employers in the country,” said Jerry Stritzke, REI’s CEO and president.

For 19 consecutive years, REI has been recognized as one of Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For, one of only five companies to do so. Most recently, REI ranked #26. The co-op was also just announced as #10 on Fortune’s 100 Best Companies in Retail, and was previously recognized on the lists of 100 Best Workplaces for Millennials and 100 Best Workplaces for Women this year alone.

“Joining the co-op gives me the chance to blend my experience with my personal connection to the outdoors. REI has a strong culture and highly engaged employees, and I look forward to helping drive further performance and satisfaction that foster our community and reinforce our values,” said, Raquel Karls, senior vice president of Human Resources.

The co-op is again closing its doors on Black Friday and paying its more than 12,000 employees to #OptOutside, and gives all employees two Yay Days, paid days off to explore the outdoors. REI employees also receive competitive wages, a funded retirement plan, generous healthcare benefits and significant deals on outdoor gear and adventures. Other benefits include paid sabbaticals, an incentive plan for all employees and more. Interested candidates can visit https://rei.jobs.

About the REI Co-op

REI is a specialty outdoor retailer, headquartered near Seattle. The nation’s largest consumer co-op, REI is a growing community of 24 million members who expect and love the best quality gear, inspiring expert classes and trips, and outstanding customer service. In addition to the co-op’s many stores across the country, outdoor enthusiasts can shop at REI.com, REI Outlet or the REI shopping app. Everyone is welcome to shop REI, but members who join the co-op enjoy a range of benefits. More than a retailer, REI is a purpose-driven and values-led company dedicated to enabling life outside for all.