Speakers
David Labistour
Chief Executive Officer
Mountain Equipment Co-op
Website: www.mec.caConference theme:
SIMULTANEOUS FORUM: Innovation to meet members’ needs
Biography
David Labistour is the Chief Executive Officer of Mountain Equipment Co-op, Canada's leading outdoor retailer. David brings both passion for outdoor adventure and extensive business experience to the position. Over the past 25 years, he has worked in product development and retail management with companies such as Adidas, Marks & Spencer's affiliate in South Africa, and Aritzia in Canada.
David is MEC's first CEO to have been appointed from within the 40-year-old organization. In his former capacity as the senior manager of Buying and Design, David was instrumental in leading the renaissance of MEC-brand products as well as product sustainability initiatives. He enjoys backcountry skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, kite-boarding, and paddling.
About Mountain Equipment Co-op
With more than 3.5 million members, Mountain Equipment Co-op is Canada's largest co-operative. The outdoor retailer exists to support active lifestyles, providing its members with gear, clothing and services for all manner of self-propelled activities – climbing, hiking, cycling, running, paddlesports, and snowsports. From its base in Vancouver, BC, MEC serves its members through 15 destination stores in 6 provinces – including 3 in Quebec – and mec.ca, its bilingual website.
MEC complements its offering from leading outdoor brands with a selection of private-label products. MEC-brand products are designed with a specific activity in mind to meet members' functional requirements through the use of appropriate materials and technology. In 2011, on gross revenue of approximately $268 million, MEC-brand products accounted for approximately 42% of MEC's sales, demonstrating its expertise at designing and manufacturing products that enhance outdoor activities.
MEC's success in large measure stems from the passion and hands-on outdoor experience of its staff. MEC provides comprehensive training opportunities to all staff to grow their skills and pursue their long-term career goals within or outside MEC. Presently employing approximately 1,500 people, MEC was recognized as one of Canada's Top 100 Employers in 2012.
MEC is widely recognized for its commitment to sustainability, which it supports through four formal programs: Community Involvement, Ethical Sourcing, Green Buildings, and Product Sustainability.
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