Outdoor Research welcomes new Vice President of People and Culture

December 18, 2020

SEATTLE, Wash. (Dec. 18, 2020) – Outdoor Research, a leader in functional outdoor, tactical and medical apparel and accessories, welcomed Brett Kruse to its leadership team this week. Kruse joins OR as its new Vice President of People and Culture, where he will lead Human-Relations initiatives, including growing upon a strong company culture through transparency, proactive communication and inclusion.

Kruse was most recently at Starbucks prior to joining Outdoor Research, where he worked for more than a decade in Human Resources (HR) and Operations. Prior to that, he worked for Deloitte Consulting.

“I could not be more excited to join Outdoor Research. This position combines my professional passions – people, teams and culture – with an organization that aligns with my personal passions, trail running, skiing and anything that keeps me outside,” Kruse said. “I look forward to pulling from my prior work experience at Deloitte and Starbucks to help Outdoor Research grow. I have been incredibly impressed by the team, how diverse the business is, and thrilled about the potential it has in multiple channels.”

As part of the Human Capital division at Deloitte, Kruse consulted with businesses across the country to drive value through people focused technology. At Starbucks, Kruse worked in HR and Operations across various positions and functions, including leadership development, talent management, organizational design, and the people focused programs launching to the 8,000 retail stores.

Kruse will report to Outdoor Research President Roger Barton.

“Outdoor Research is steadily expanding into new channels and markets, and – looking to the talent and culture we need to continue to fuel our growth – it’s exciting to have someone like Brett join the team,” Barton said. “We’re thrilled to have his expertise and leadership from working with other globally recognized brands.”

In addition to his career accomplishments, Kruse has a passion for endurance sports. He has climbed multiple 20,000-plus peaks around the world, completed 13 Ironman competitions, and various ultra-marathons. After growing up overseas (Costa Rica, Japan and Switzerland), Kruse attended college at the University of Washington, later establishing roots in Seattle, where he lives with his wife and two kids.

For more information about Outdoor Research, visit www.OutdoorResearch.com.

About Outdoor Research

Outdoor Research was built to methodically create, protect, and prepare for the future. Since 1981 we have demonstrated our expertise in the outdoor, medical, and tactical industries with award-winning protective equipment. Our ambassadors, non-profit partners, and employees sustain us through seemingly impossible challenges. Join us at outdoorresearch.com.

MEDIA CONTACT
Dave Simpson
Verde Brand Communications
dave@verdepr.com
(307) 200-7003

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