Johnnie-O appoints Patagonia vet as new CEO

U.S. men’s apparel brand Johnnie-O announced on Wednesday the appointment of John Collins as chief executive officer and board member. 

​Collins succeeds Dave Gatto, Johnnie-O’s long-standingCEO and board director since January 2015. Gatto will retire this year, according to the Californian brand.

Collins began his career with Patagonia in 1996, where he spent over two decades across varying leadership roles in domestic and international sales and general management.

In his new role as CEO, the apparel veteran will focus on accelerating the growth of the Santa Monica-based brand through increased brand investment and omnichannel expansion, including wholesale and branded retail development. He will also employ digital and DTC-led initiatives to support sustained brand growth and explore entering new product categories to better serve Johnnie-O consumers, according to a press release.

“It was important to me and the Johnnie-O board of directors that my successor was someone who valued authenticity and integrity and would not only uphold the work we’ve done to bolster the brand but make even greater progress towards our growth goals, ” said Gatto.

“I am thrilled that we found that person in JC. With JC’s strong track record in leadership and a clear vision for the future, I am confident that he will help take Johnnie-O to new heights.”

Founded in 2005 by John O’Donnell, Johnnie-O is a premium apparel brand for men and boys, which has recorded growth in revenue by over 20% in 16 out of the 17 years since its inception. 

“This is an important and exciting moment in the company’s growth,” said Collins. “As a Johnnie-O customer, I was already aware of our great product and when I dug deeper, I found a fantastic community of people. From our employees to our customers, Johnnie-O resonates so well, and I am grateful that Dave Gatto, John O’Donnell, and the larger Johnnie-O team are entrusting me to help lead the brand into its next phase.”