Chris Speyer, an outdoor industry veteran, is making a significant move by joining Mountain Equipment Company (MEC) as its chief merchandising officer (CMO). This decision marks the end of his seven-year tenure at Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI), where he served as the senior vice-president. Coming back to his Canadian roots, Speyer will officially start his new role at MEC by the end of the month.
With 30 years of experience in the outdoor industry, Speyer’s journey began in Canada. Originally from Ottawa, Ontario, he started his career at a local store selling skis, bikes, and footwear. His connection to MEC dates back to the ’90s when he was a member while living in Calgary.
In a statement, Speyer expressed his excitement about joining MEC, stating that it feels like coming home. He reminisced about being inspired by MEC’s seasonal catalog and praised the brand for staying true to its founding values. Speyer highlighted the importance of prioritizing great people and great products, values that resonate with his own leadership style.
Last year, Speyer spoke at the Sea Otter Classic Summit about REI’s efforts to attract younger, diverse, and less affluent customers. MEC CEO Peter Hlynsky commended Speyer’s experience and vendor relationships, noting that they will be invaluable in supporting the company’s growth.
Hlynsky emphasized that Speyer’s values and passion for the outdoors align perfectly with MEC’s core principles. He mentioned Speyer’s track record of working with various brands and growing the private label business, which will be crucial in enhancing MEC’s own label brand and offering top-tier assortments to members at competitive prices.
MEC, with 23 stores across Canada, stands to benefit from Speyer’s expertise and leadership as the company looks towards its next phase of development. An avid biker, skier, and trail runner, Speyer’s personal interests align with MEC’s focus on outdoor activities and adventures. His recent completion of the Canyons 50k in Auburn, California, showcases his commitment to challenging outdoor pursuits and reflects his dedication to the outdoor industry as a whole.