Equip Outdoor Technologies UK Ltd. (Equip) home of technical outdoor apparel and equipment brands Rab and Lowe Alpine announced it has begun an executive recruitment plan to find a successor for CEO Matt Gowar.
Twelve years after buying Lowe Alpine, 20 after buying Rab, and 30 years after importing his first glove range into the United Kingdom, Gowar has decided to bring new experience and leadership to strengthen the board by appointing a new CEO.
Equip has experienced significant growth, which has been most evident in the last few years and achieved £120m turnover in FY23. The business now operates through 26 manufacturing partners across Asia as well as retaining its heritage and expertise in a U.K. manufacturing site. It also has sales offices in eight countries across Europe and North America.
Equip’s Board has signed off the next five-year strategic plan committing to increase turnover, further its leadership in corporate social responsibility (CSR) and growing share in core markets.
Gowar will remain active within the business, retaining executive responsibility at Equip Board level for his areas of specialty and passion, including CSR, supplier sourcing and supporting the development in North America.
But, after 30 years in the industry, traveling extensively for business and building successful brands, Gowar wants to spend more time doing the things he loves; time on his bikes, traveling for pleasure, and being with his family.
“The last few years have seen extraordinary pressures for the outdoor industry and supply chains. We have worked hard to grow Equip and our brands and achieved significant business milestones along the way,” Gowar said. “Knowing that the business is in such a strong position, I look forward to finding someone who can step into the CEO role to bring new experience and leadership to our existing Board and lead Equip to achieve the next five-year strategic plan.
“This will allow me to concentrate on the areas of the business I have the most expertise and also free up my time to do the things I have missed out on whilst building the business; time with my family and my personal interests,” he added. “I plan to retain ownership of Equip, as we keep to our current strategy”
Equip seeks a successor who can leverage the strength and reputation of the business and drive the five-year strategy and business.
