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.

REI this week named Portland’s Mary Beth Laughton the co-op’s next CEO, making her the latest Nike executive to get the top job at another company. Laughton will succeed Eric Artz, who is retiring.