California Apparel News

Columbia Sportswear Commercial (Shanghai) Co. Ltd. named Samson Wong president of the company, a joint venture between Columbia Sportswear Co. and Swire Resources Limited, a subsidiary of Swire Pacific Limited and the exclusive distributor of Columbia Sportswear in mainland China.

The joint venture between the Portland, Ore.–based global outdoor apparel, footwear, accessories and equipment company and Swire is scheduled to begin its operations on Jan. 1, subject to regulatory approval in the People’s Republic of China and other customary conditions.

Wong has been with the Swire group for nearly 30 years, starting as a financial controller and most recently serving as executive director. Wong has led Swire Resources’ efforts with Columbia Sportswear’s in mainland China since 2004 and in Hong Kong/Macau since 2002. “We have built a solid foundation for Columbia’s brands over the past 10 years, and I am honored by the opportunity to lead the new joint venture with Columbia Sportswear and many of my current Swire colleagues,” Wong said in a statement.

Swire sells Columbia merchandise through 70 branded retail locations, as well as to dealers who operate more than 680 single- and multi-brand retail locations.

“We believe Samson’s proven leadership and the continuity of the Swire team will be invaluable as we invest together and expand our relationship with a trusted business partner under the new joint-venture structure,” said Tim Boyle, Columbia president and chief executive officer, in a company statement.