REI Names Rick Bingle New Vice President, Supply Chain

Sep 8, 2011

REI (Recreational Equipment, Inc.), a national outdoor gear and clothing retailer, today announced Rick Bingle has been named the company’s vice president, supply chain. The new position recognizes the critical role that distribution and logistics plays in delivering exceptional service to REI’s members.

“Rick brings a distinct, broad background to REI that spans retail management, distribution and domestic and international logistics,” said Brian Unmacht, executive vice president. “His proven ability to develop a long-term vision for our supply chain will serve us well as REI continues to grow and we develop new and better ways to get our quality outdoor products to our customers and to our stores across the U.S.”

REI’s two distribution centers are comprised of more than 1.2 million square feet and use operational methods that are consistent with the company’s commitment to environmental stewardship. The Bedford, Penn., distribution center is LEED Silver-certified.

Bingle joined REI in 2006 as director, global supply chain from Microsoft, where he was the senior manager, global supply chain. Previously, he spent 11 years at Office Depot in a series of distribution-related management positions.

A graduate of the University of California, Riverside, Bingle is a member of the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals, as well as the Gartner Supply Chain Forum. He graduated from Leadership Tomorrow in 2008 and is a member of the board of directors of the Northwest Center.

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 188 locations in 42 states and the District of Columbia. If you can’t visit a store, you can shop at REI.comREI 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.