REI Co-op promotes Michelle Kirkpatrick to vice president, controller and Ruchi Christensen to vice president of distribution and fulfillment operations

SEATTLE, June 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, REI Co-op announced the promotion of two leaders within the finance and supply chain teams. Michelle Kirkpatrick has been promoted to vice president, controller, while Ruchi Christensen is now vice president of distribution and fulfillment operations.

"Michelle and Ruchi are both widely trusted leaders who have been instrumental in keeping co-op growth initiatives and operations running smoothly and efficiently," said Kelley Hall, executive vice president, chief financial officer. "Their business savvy and values-led approach will continue to have positive impact not only on their respective teams but how the co-op broadly serves our members and the outdoor community."

Vice President, Controller
Michelle Kirkpatrick joined the co-op nearly 10 years ago and most recently served as divisional vice president, controller. Michelle is a broadly focused, values-driven leader who enables thoughtful and strategic decision-making within the finance organization and across the co-op. In her expanded role, Kirkpatrick oversees the co-op's accounting, treasury, procurement, and tax teams. She also leads REI's strategic enterprise resource planning (ERP) initiative.

Vice President of Distribution and Fulfillment Operations
Ruchi Christensen has been with the co-op since 2021 as divisional vice president of distribution and fulfillment operations. As vice president, she will provide strategic direction to the co-op's fulfillment centers and supply chain teams to optimize productivity, inventory management, business readiness and financial results. REI's newest distribution center will open later this summer in Lebanon, Tennessee. The design of the state-of-the-art facility prioritizes the employee experience, environmental impact and community connections. The location will support more than 70 REI stores and reduce shipping times to customers. Nearly 5.6 million REI members live in the service area.

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 23 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.

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SOURCE REI Co-op