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Seattle,
WA – March 2023 / Newsmaker Alert: REI
Co-op announces that it has hired Apple
Musni as its new Chief People Officer and promoted two leaders to new
positions. Musni joins the co-op March 20. Chris
Speyer has been promoted to senior vice president, chief merchandising
officer, and Isabelle
Portilla has been promoted to vice president, Co-op Brands, both effective
immediately.
“As
a values-led organization, we measure our success as a company by our positive
impact on our employees, our members, society and our business. Apple brings
a breadth of experience in retail and customer service, and a strong point
of view about how a progressive company with a strong ethos infuses its
values through its people strategy,” said Eric
Artz, REI president and CEO.
“Chris
and Isabelle are both experienced leaders who have driven massive impact
for the co-op in their tenure here and are well-positioned to lead our
merchandising and Co-op Brands teams into the future.”
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Chief
People Officer
Musni
will be responsible for the full expression of REI’s people-first strategy,
leading the teams that shape the co-op’s industry-leading compensation
and benefits offerings, progress the best-in-class experience for its employees,
provide HR business partnership to teams across the company, design innovative
talent strategies and advance the co-op’s racial equity commitments.
“It
is a privilege to join the REI team and support amplifying how the mission
of the co-op comes to life through its employee experience. I am passionate
about the co-op’s purpose of awakening a lifelong love of the outdoors
for all and its belief that time outside is a human right,” said Musni.
“I have admired REI over the years as it continues to receive accolades
for ‘best places to work’, lead with its values through statements and
action, and launch offerings that focus on what matters most to its people—like
the REI Access Plan. Anyone who works in HR knows that REI is the gold
standard for how it invests in and cares for its employees.”
Musni
was most recently vice president, field people experience and recruiting
at Chipotle Mexican Grill, where she was responsible for the people strategy
and initiatives that delivers best in class staffing, engagement, retention
and development of field employees. She previously led HR and Operational
functions at McDonald’s and Target Corporation.
Outside
of work, Musni serves as a board member for the United Ways of California
and as a member of the CNBC Workforce Executive Council. She loves to travel,
explore new food and adventures, and spend time with her family.
Senior
Vice President, Chief Merchandising Officer
As
the co-op’s chief merchandising officer, Speyer will continue REI’s industry-leading
efforts in innovation and sustainability to drive world-class offerings
for REI’s growing member base. He joined the co-op in 2017 as vice president
of Co-op Brands, REI’s private label known for innovative design and responsible
manufacturing. Speyer’s role expanded to include leadership of REI’s merchandising
teams in 2021. Speyer also serves as executive sponsor of PRISM, REI’s
inclusion network for LGBTQ+ employees and allies.
“In
my experience the co-op’s two superpowers, and what I think make it unique,
are its people and its values. I’ve never worked with a group of people
who feel more invested in each other and in the purpose of their work,”
said Speyer. “I’m honored and excited to continue my journey with REI and
to serve in this leadership role.”
Outside
of work Speyer enjoys spending time with his family and in the mountains
on the trails or deep in the snow.
Vice
President, Co-op Brands
Portilla
joined the co-op in 2017, leading product strategy and design for Co-op
Brands, including ongoing product collaboration with Outdoor Afro Inc.
In her new role, her mix of strategic and operational excellence will accelerate
Co-op Brands’ growth to the largest, most sustainable brand in our assortment.
“My
experience at the co-op has surpassed my expectations. Every day I feel
inspired by our mission, our values, and most importantly our people,”
said Portilla. “We are truly a collective, working toward positive change,
all in the name of sharing the love of life outside.”
Outside
of work, Portilla enjoys outdoor adventures with her family, as well as
yoga, climbing, strength training, cooking, and reading.
About
the REI Co-op
REI
is a specialty outdoor retailer, headquartered near Seattle. The nation’s
largest consumer co-op, REI is a growing community of 21.5 million members
who expect and love the best quality gear, inspiring expert classes and
trips, and outstanding customer service. REI has 181 locations in 42 states
and the District of Columbia. If you can’t visit a store, you can shop
at REI.com, REI
Outlet or the REI shopping
app. REI isn’t just about gear. Adventurers can take the trip of a
lifetime with REI’s active adventure travel company that runs more than
100 itineraries across the country. In many communities where REI has a
presence, professionally trained instructors share their expertise by hosting
beginner-to advanced-level classes and workshops about a wide range of
activities. To build on the infrastructure that makes life outside possible,
REI invests millions annually in hundreds of local and national nonprofits
that create access to—and steward—the outdoor places that inspire us all.
Media
Contact:
REI
Public Affairs
Megan
Behrbaum
prrequests@rei.com |
