SEATTLE, 2016-Nov-08 — /EPR Retail News/ — REI, the outdoor co-op and national specialty retailer, welcomes Raquel Karls as its senior vice president of Human Resources.
Karls’ career spans more than 20 years with purpose-driven brands. Most recently, she served as chief human resources officer at Outerwall, the company behind brands including Coinstar, Redbox and ecoATM. There, she led a redesign of all people programs, including performance management, engagement, talent reviews and HRIS systems. She has also spent time in leadership roles in Human Resources at other northwest organizations, including Starbucks and Expedia, and worked in various leadership positions at Pepsi.
“REI is a unique place. Supporting our employees is one of the most important things we do as a co-op. Raquel is a dynamic leader with a love of the outdoors, a clear point of view and a passion for building a thriving team. Under her leadership, we will continue to build our reputation as one of the best employers in the country,” said Jerry Stritzke, REI’s CEO and president.
For 19 consecutive years, REI has been recognized as one of Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For, one of only five companies to do so. Most recently, REI ranked #26. The co-op was also just announced as #10 on Fortune’s 100 Best Companies in Retail, and was previously recognized on the lists of 100 Best Workplaces for Millennials and 100 Best Workplaces for Women this year alone.
“Joining the co-op gives me the chance to blend my experience with my personal connection to the outdoors. REI has a strong culture and highly engaged employees, and I look forward to helping drive further performance and satisfaction that foster our community and reinforce our values,” said, Raquel Karls, senior vice president of Human Resources.
The co-op is again closing its doors on Black Friday and paying its more than 12,000 employees to #OptOutside, and gives all employees two Yay Days, paid days off to explore the outdoors. REI employees also receive competitive wages, a funded retirement plan, generous healthcare benefits and significant deals on outdoor gear and adventures. Other benefits include paid sabbaticals, an incentive plan for all employees and more. Interested candidates can visit http://rei.jobs/.
About REI
REI is a specialty outdoor retailer, headquartered near Seattle. The nation’s largest consumer co-op, REI is a growing community of more than 6 million active members who expect and love the best quality gear, inspiring expert classes and trips, and outstanding customer service. REI has 149 stores in 36 states. If you can’t visit a store, you can shop at REI.com, REI.com/REI-Garage or the free REI shopping app. REI isn’t just about gear. You can take the trip of a lifetime with REI Adventures, a global leader in active adventure travel that runs 170 custom-designed itineraries on every continent. REI’s Outdoor School is run by professionally-trained, expert-instructors who teach beginner- to advanced-level courses 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.
Contact:
REI Public Affairs
(253) 395-5958
prrequests@rei.com
Source: REI