St. Paul, Minn. — Outdoors retailer Gander Mountain has promoted Derek Siddons, executive vice president and chief operating officer, to president. Siddons’ new post will be effective on the retirement of the company’s current president, Michael J. Owens, on October 31, 2015.
Siddons has been responsible for the company’s operations, marketing and merchandising functions across all channels of the organization, including retail and direct. Siddons has been with Gander Mountain since 2009 and has held roles of increasing responsibility, including director of retail operations, vice president e-commerce, senior vice president of operations and e-commerce and executive vice president – chief operating officer, operations, marketing, e-commerce and merchandising.
“Derek’s commitment to strong processes, driving results through people, and dedication to achieving goals will continue to lead Gander Mountain to success,” says David Pratt, Gander Mountain’s chairman and CEO.
In addition, Gander Mountain promoted three senior leaders effective October 31, 2015. Jay Tibbets, senior vice president, has been promoted to executive vice president – COO, with responsibility for merchandising, planning and supply chain. Lisa Schmidt, executive vice president – retail store design, has been promoted to executive vice president – store operations, store design and development with responsibility for retail store operations, visual merchandising and store design. Eric R. Jacobsen, executive vice president and general counsel, has been promoted to chief administrative officer and general counsel.
The company also announced the hiring of two new key senior executives. Brian D. Kohlbeck has joined the company as senior vice president and chief financial officer to succeed Robert J. Vold who is retiring in early November. Kohlbeck joins Gander Mountain from Lands’ End where he served as vice president – business finance.
In addition, Carissa Rollins has been hired as senior vice president and chief information officer and will oversee all aspects of the company’s technology and information systems, omni-channel initiatives, cyber-security, and enterprise data and business analytics. Rollins comes from Kohl’s Corporation.
Gander Mountain has 163 outdoor lifestyle stores in 27 states. For more information, visit www.GanderMountain.com. Gander Mountain is also the parent company of Overton’s (www.overtons.com), a leading catalog and Internet-based retailer of products for boating and other water sports enthusiasts.
SOURCE: Gander Mountain