MEC looks within for its new CEO

    Move is unprecedented in co-op's history

    VANCOUVER, Dec. 4 /CNW/ - Mountain Equipment Co-op(R) (MEC) has looked to
within its own senior management team for its next chief executive officer.
David Labistour, presently MEC's senior manager of buying and design, has been
appointed CEO of Canada's leading outdoor retailer, the co-operative announced
today.
    The appointment was made by MEC's board of directors last week. It marks
the first time in the organization's 36-year history that the top job has been
awarded internally. Labistour will assume the CEO position at MEC on
January 2, 2008.
    "In the four years that David Labistour has been with MEC, he has led a
renaissance in our private label products," said chair Linda Bartlett. "There
is no question that he has contributed significantly to the healthy financial
position we are enjoying today, and we believe he is the best person to lead
this terrific organization through the next chapter in our evolution."
    Labistour has headed up MEC's buying and design teams since 2003. Among
others, his achievements include enhancing technical apparel and gear within
the key outdoor categories of climbing, paddling and snowsports. He has also
spearheaded a product sustainability initiative aimed at reducing the
ecological footprint of MEC-brand products.
    Labistour's professional experience spans over 25 years working for
companies such as Adidas, Woolworths and Artizia. Prior to emigrating to
Canada from South Africa in 1999, he held senior merchandise positions with
Woolworths, one of South Africa's most successful retailers. More recently, as
a consultant to Vancouver-based Aritzia, he worked closely with the company
president to develop the fashion retailer's product development structures and
processes.
    Labistour will take over from Peter Robinson, who has led the Co-op since
2000 and is moving to the chief executive position at the David Suzuki
Foundation.
    "The depth of experience and skill that exists among the senior
management team is evident in David's appointment," said outgoing CEO Peter
Robinson. "It's very gratifying to see the board entrust the leadership
position to someone who has contributed to our success and who understands
where we need to go next."
    Labistour is an outdoors enthusiast who enjoys backcountry skiing,
mountain biking, and paddling. He lives in Deep Cove, BC with his family.

    Editors : Interview opportunities with David Labistour will be available
early in January when he formally assumes the position of CEO.

For further information: Tim Southam, Communications Manager, (604)
707-4480 (Direct), (778) 388-1275 (Cell), tsoutham@mec.ca; Nadia Beaupré,
Communications and Marketing Coordinator, (604) 707-4466, nbeaupre@mec.ca