REI Hires VP, Physical Stores and Retail Operations

REI Co-op (Kent, Washington) is adding Mary-Farrell Tarbox to its retail leadership and corporate officer teams. Tarbox will join the specialty outdoor retailer on Oct. 24 as its VP, Physical Stores and Retail Operations.

Tarbox was most recently a Regional Vice President at Bed Bath & Beyond, where she oversaw 370 stores. She has also held senior leadership roles in retail and human resources at Crate & Barrel, PetSmart Inc. and Target Corp. In her immediate community, she has volunteered with Chicago Cares Inc. for 20 years, currently serving as an emeritus board member.

Tarbox will provide leadership for REI’s nearly 180 physical stores and retail operations team, which account for more than three-quarters of the company’s 16,000-plus employee base. She will be accountable to deliver on the co-op’s goals for the retail organization that include advancing the employee experience, customer service and culture of continuous improvement.

“Mary-Farrell is a proven leader in omnichannel operations,” says Cameron Janes, Chief Commercial Officer, REI. “Her more than 30 years of leading successful teams across multiple retail environments made her a clear choice. As REI’s retail presence expands across the nation, she will have a key role in helping the co-op achieve our aspiration to serve a 50-million-member community.”