REI CEO resigns after failing to disclose his relationship with another leader in the outdoor industry

  • Jerry Stritzke will leave March 15
  • Resigned after outside investigation into 'a personal and consensual relationship'
  •  Investigation found there was no financial misconduct
  • No further details of the relationship have been disclosed

By ASSOCIATED PRESS

Published: | Updated:

Outdoor retailer REI says its president and CEO has resigned for failing to disclose a relationship with the head of another organization in the outdoor industry.

REI officials at their Kent, Washington, headquarters said Tuesday that Jerry Stritzke will leave March 15.

The company says Stritzke resigned after an outside investigation into 'a personal and consensual relationship.'

REI president and CEO Jerry Stritzke has resigned for failing to disclose a personal relationship with the head of another organization

REI president and CEO Jerry Stritzke has resigned for failing to disclose a personal relationship with the head of another organization

Officials also say the working relationship between REI and the partner organization, which has not been identified, found there was no financial misconduct.

REI board Chair Steve Hooper said that since Stritzke became CEO in 2013 he and a strong team have consistently delivered outstanding results.

Stritzke said in a letter to employees that he was sorry he didn't disclose the relationship.

REI's chief operating officer Eric Artz will become interim CEO.

JERRY STRITZKE'S FULL LETTER TO REI EMPLOYEES 

 REI,

This morning, here at our Kent headquarters, our Board Chair, Steve Hooper, announced that the REI board of directors has accepted my resignation as President and CEO of REI. My last day will be March 15. Eric Artz, REI Chief Operating Officer, will take on the role of interim CEO, effective immediately.

Five years ago, I joined REI as CEO and started a new phase of my life. I feel incredibly fortunate to have been a part of and to have led this organization. I have learned a great deal and while it is hard to leave, it’s the right time. I am grateful that I can transition an organization that I love to a seasoned leader in Eric and a talented team at a time when the co-op has real momentum. That’s a rare privilege as a CEO and this change gives me the opportunity to pursue a lifelong dream—to go explore all the places that inspired me to join REI.

I offered my resignation because in recent weeks the board of directors and I have had a series of tough conversations about my decision to keep private a personal and consensual relationship with the leader of another organization in the outdoor industry. The board oversaw a thorough investigation that was conducted by an external law firm. While there was no financial misconduct, I should have told the board because my actions created a perceived conflict of interest to the co-op.

Looking back, I recognize I should have been transparent. REI expects high standards from its leaders. The board and I agree that, in this instance, my decisions did not meet them and the last thing I want is to damage REI. I deeply regret that my actions could impact the co-op. You deserve better.

Looking ahead, both the board of directors and I are fully committed to ensuring that REI continues to thrive. I am confident that Eric will do a great job. I am grateful for his partnership during my tenure and fully support his stepping into the interim role. We have the right strategy, an excellent leadership team and REI is in a great place financially, so I know the co-op will continue to progress.

I have huge admiration for you all, and I believe fiercely that the work the co-op has done for 80 years has had an unmatched positive impact on the outdoors and on people’s lives. Thank you again for all you do and for the opportunity to lead.

See you outside,

Jerry

Most watched News videos