Mountain Equipment Co-op’s CEO David Labistour to step down in June
After 11 years heading the organization, Mountain Equipment Co-op’s chief executive officer David Labistour will be stepping down in June.
Labistour will make way for a new CEO who will continue the co-op’s journey to “get people off the couch and active outside.”
The outdoor gear brand, known as MEC, has yet to give a reason for Labistour’s forthcoming departure or announce who will replace him.
Labistour became CEO in January 2008, having first joined the company as a senior manager of buying and design in 2003.
Under Labistour’s leadership, MEC has grown from 2.7 to 5.1 million members, opened 11 new stores, and developed events which have reached hundreds of thousands of active Canadians.
Inside the new MEC store in Kelowna. (Robb Thompson / MEC)
According to the brand’s press release, MEC’s Board of Directors will oversee the process of selecting a new CEO, working with Labistour to manage a seamless transition that ensures MEC continues to thrive.
“I consider myself very fortunate because I’ve been able to align my passions with my work every day for the past 11 years. I truly believe in MEC’s purpose and I’m incredibly proud of everything we do to get people active outside,” says Labistour. “Our co-op has come a long way over the years and I’m looking forward to watching it continue to grow and become more relevant to more Canadians for many years to come. For the next 8 months my focus will be on MEC and then I’ll take some time to decide on my next adventures.”
Known for combining high-quality apparel and equipment with expert advice and firsthand experience, MEC supports a wide range of activities including camping, snowsports, watersports, cycling, climbing, hiking, running, yoga, and travel.
Established in 1971, MEC is Canada’s largest consumer co-operative with over five million members across the country. The company has invested over $4 million to date, into non-profit organizations that support outdoor recreation and conservation.
Last month, Labistour lead the Vancouver-based brand’s campaign to increase diversity in outdoor retail, claiming there’s a lack of minorities in its marketing materials.