Columbia Sportswear Company Appoints Christian Finell to General
Manager Europe
Position Will Manage All Aspects of European Business as Part of a
Global Go-to-Market Strategy
PORTLAND, Ore., Nov. 14, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Columbia Sportswear
Company (Nasdaq:COLM), a global leader in the active outdoor apparel
and footwear industries, today announced that Christian Finell has
been appointed General Manager Europe. His anticipated start date is
December 1, 2007, reporting to Mick McCormick, Vice President of
Sales.
As General Manager Europe, Finell will be responsible for managing
all aspects of sales, marketing and operations of the Company in
Europe. He joins Columbia following a seventeen year career with
Salomon SA, most recently serving as Head of Salomon EMEA (Europe,
Middle-East, and Africa). Finell also held other leadership positions
at Salomon, including Retail Manager Europe and Head of Salomon
Nordic AB. He is a native of Finland and is multi-lingual. Finell
will be based in Columbia's European headquarters located in Geneva,
Switzerland.
"We are pleased to welcome Christian Finell to Columbia Sportswear.
Finell's strategic European management skills will play an important
role in executing our global go-to-market initiatives and
strengthening our position in the European outdoor market," said Tim
Boyle, President and CEO.
About Columbia Sportswear Company:
Founded in 1938 in Portland, Oregon, Columbia Sportswear Company is a
global leader in the design, sourcing, marketing and distribution of
active outdoor apparel and footwear. As one of the largest outerwear
manufacturers in the world and a leading seller of skiwear in the
United States, the Company has developed an international reputation
for quality, performance, functionality and value. The Company
manages a portfolio of outdoor brands including Columbia Sportswear,
Montrail, Mountain Hardwear, Pacific Trail, and Sorel. To learn more
about Columbia, please visit the Company's website at
http://www.columbia.com/
CONTACT: Columbia Sportswear
Anne Lindberg
(503) 985-4183
alindberg@columbia.com
Investor Relations
David Kiser
(503) 985-4584
dkiser@columbia.com
