Orvis Names Rebecca Jones Chief People Officer
Outdoor retailer grows executive leadership team with the appointment of first chief people officer
MANCHESTER, Vt. (Oct. 26, 2021) — Orvis, the family-owned and operated outdoor retailer that specializes in fly-fishing gear, dog products and active lifestyle apparel, announces that Rebecca Jones has been named chief people officer, effective October 18, 2021. In this new position, Jones will provide executive oversight for the human resources department at Orvis, focusing on employee engagement and support, talent development, and training and growth within the organization.
“From our retail stores to our fly rod shop, our Orvis family is our most valuable resource at this company,” says Orvis President Simon Perkins. “We are thrilled to welcome Rebecca to this new and exciting role. Her background in strong, values-led culture will help us continue to build upon our own, and our commitment to supporting and growing our people within the organization as we continue to evolve.”
Prior to Orvis, Jones served as the chief people officer at European Wax Center, where she led the company’s human resources strategy, talent development, and diversity and inclusivity initiatives. Jones brings over 20 years of executive and senior leadership experience from her time spent working in the hospitality, beauty and retail industries for brands including Starboard Cruise Services, Carnival Cruise Lines and John Hardy jewelers.
In her new role, Jones will provide strategic expertise for training and advancing people, building culture, hiring and onboarding, enhancing social responsibility initiatives, and developing a long-term vision and strategy for Orvis and its people. Additionally, her role as chief people officer will play a critical part in evaluating organizational design, from executive coaching to the implementation of learning and development programs. As the Covid-19 pandemic has reshaped the structure of many businesses, including Orvis, Jones will be instrumental in providing resources to employees to ensure ongoing growth and connection within the organization.
“Orvis has been a family-owned, values-led company since the very beginning, and it’s clear that they care deeply about people,” says Jones. “I am excited to roll up my sleeves and to be a part of a unique company in the outdoor industry that pairs passion with purpose and is always moving forward.”
When not in the office, Jones and her family are in, on or near the water, diving, sailing or spearfishing.
For more information, please direct Orvis media inquiries to Senior Account Manager Eric Hockman at eric.hockman@rygr.us.
About The Orvis Company: Founded in 1856, we believe the most meaningful experiences are created by sharing the love of nature and being inspired by its endless possibilities. Orvis pioneered the mail order industry in the United States, operates more than 80 retail stores in the U.S and the U.K., and maintains a network of over 400 dealers worldwide as a trusted source of discovery and adventure in the natural world. We promise to open the door to extraordinary outdoor experiences, and to protect nature by committing 5% of our pretax profits each year to conservation efforts worldwide. www.orvis.com
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