Recreational Equipment, Inc., aka REI, has announced Mary Beth as the company's new CEO. The previous CEO, Eric Artz, is reported to leave the position as he retires in March.

REI Co-op President and CEO Eric Artz will retire in March, marking a new chapter in the co-op’s 87-year history. Mary Beth Laughton, a former REI Board Director described as a “seasoned retail leader,” will join REI as president on February 3, 2025, before assuming full CEO responsibilities on March 31.

Weeks after the retailer shuttered its experiences business, REI on Wednesday announced that CEO Eric Artz will retire in March as part of a planned succession process. Mary Beth Laughton, a former REI board director and one-time Athleta CEO, will take on the role, per a press release emailed to Retail Dive.

Mary Beth Laughton, a footwear and fashion veteran who has held leadership positions at several industry giants, will soon take the helm at REI Co-op. The outdoor specialty retail giant announced Wednesday that Laughton will join REI as president on Feb.

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REI’s President and Chief Executive Officer Eric Artz announced his retirement on Wednesday and named a Portlander as the company’s next chief executive.

Issaquah-based REI announced Wednesday that president and CEO Eric Artz will retire in March. Artz has been with REI for 12 years, including six as president and CEO.

Mary Beth Laughton, a former REI board member who has held leadership roles at Nike, Athleta, and Sephora, will succeed him as president on Feb. 3, before assuming full CEO responsibilities on March 31.

REI Co-op's CEO, Eric Artz, has announced his retirement. With REI continuing to undergo changes, where does the company stand?