REI Applauds the U.S. Senate on Jewell Confirmation

SEATTLE - REI, a national retailer of quality outdoor gear and apparel, applauds the U.S. Senate for its confirmation of Sally Jewell as the nation’s 51^st Secretary of the Department of the Interior.

With her confirmation, Jewell will leave her role as President and CEO of REI and begin her management of the more than 70,000 employees charged with overseeing approximately 20 percent of the nation’s lands.

Jewell guided REI for the past eight years as CEO, and five years prior as COO. She began her service to the co-op as a member of its board of directors before moving into management. During her tenure as CEO REI grew to nearly $2 billion in annual sales. In addition to helping lead its business success, during that time REI also heightened the company’s commitment to environmental stewardship, volunteerism and engaging more people, especially youth, in the outdoors.

“Speaking on behalf of REI’s board and staff, we thank Sally for her 17 years of service to the co-op and wish her all the best with her new adventure in the ‘other Washington’,” said Brian Unmacht, REI’s Interim CEO. “Thanks to her outstanding leadership, REI is in strong shape and well-positioned for the future. As she did at REI, Sally Jewell will lead the Interior department with integrity, balance and wisdom.”

About the REI Co-op