Rab owner Equip appoints new CEO in Matt Gowar's wake
Equip Outdoor Technologies in the UK has named Richard Leedham chief executive in the wake of founder Matt Gowar’s decision to step down after 30 years in November.
The company owns outdoor brands Lowe Alpine and Rab, known for its packable, down-filled hut slippers, boots and socks.
Mr Leedham most recently led the team at outdoor wear brand Acai between 2019 and 2023, after spending 2013-2018 as president of Berghaus’ outdoor division.
He also serves as founding director of the charity Outdoor Gear for Good, which works to funnel the industry’s surplus stock away from landfills.
“I have massive respect for the work that Matt and the team have put into the development of the business and both the Rab and Lowe Alpine brands,” Mr Leedham commented. “This is particularly impressive when you factor into the global challenges the industry has faced over the last few years.
“The team has identified some compelling opportunities for developing award-winning technical products, creating an industry-leading corporate social responsibility (CSR) agenda, as well as driving sustainable growth across global markets. I’m looking forward to getting started and advancing these plans.”
The incoming chief executive will assume his new responsibilities on February 5.
Mr Gowar, meanwhile, will remain in place on the company’s board, with executive-level responsibility for CSR, supplier sourcing and plotting the company’s North American expansion.
He cited the need for Equip to forge ahead at pace and at scale as among the factors that had most influenced his decision “to concentrate on the areas of the business where I have the most expertise”.
Image: Richard Leedham.
