Kathmandu CEO Reuben Casey resigns, ‘heads for the hills’

The chief executive of Kathmandu, Reuben Casey, has resigned after 12 years working with the New Zealand outdoor wear brand.

KMD Brands Group CEO Michael Daly described Casey as an integral part of Kathmandu during his time with the brand where he served as CFO and COO prior to taking the CEO role.

“He has built a strong brand leadership team, leaving Kathmandu well positioned for continuing growth. We wish Reuben all the very best.”

KMD Brands owns and operates Rip Curl, Kathmandu and Oboz.

Casey said that with such a passionate team culture, brand strength, desirable product offer and a blossoming international business, he has no doubt Kathmandu will go from strength to strength.

In A LinkedIn post, Casey described his tenure at Kathmandu as “life-changing years”. “It’s been an absolute privilege to be part of the transformational journey we’ve been on. Welcoming Oboz into the whanau (family), becoming a certified B-Corp (company), joining forces with Rip Curl, achieving our Rainbow Tick, (and) relaunching the Kathmandu brand. Our best winter in 30 years.”

He said he planned to spend time with his family, “some time out there in the hills exploring our spectacular backyard, and some time on the bike while I consider what the next challenge is.”

Daly will act as interim CEO of Kathmandu until a replacement is found during the coming weeks.

Earlier this month, the business reported a record winter promotional period in Australia helped boost its gross margins well above last year. It expects total sales to be around $960 million with underlying EBIT in the range of $53 million to $59 million.

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