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Alex Thompson

Chief Communications Officer
REI

Alex Thompson oversees Brand Stewardship and Impact for REI. As an officer of the co-op, he is tasked with building long-term brand equity for the nation’s largest consumer co-operative.

Through internal and external communications, public policy, government affairs, sustainability and philanthropy, Alex helps REI to lead with its values. His team’s work involves engaging 12,000 employees in 154 stores, working closely with 300 non-profits, advancing sustainable business practices and inspiring 17 million REI members to pursue and enjoy “life outdoors” through initiatives including #OptOutside. Before joining REI in 2014, Alex specialized in international communications and marketing in the for-profit, not-for-profit and public sectors. He served for more than a decade at Edelman in various roles on three continents. Latterly, as Executive Vice President in New York, he specialized in connecting business strategy with social mission and impact. Alex began his career as a volunteer teacher oversees and studied politics and philosophy at the University of Leeds. He serves on the board of the Washington Environmental Council, is a member of the Arthur Page Society and recently joined the advisory board for Sustainable Brands.

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Third Year of REI's #OptOutside Movement Gives the Power to the People
Third Year of REI's #OptOutside Movement Gives the Power to the People

Walking the Talk / With the launch of its #OptOutside campaign in 2015, REI set a new precedent in retail, shuttering its stores on Thanksgiving and Black Friday, giving its employees a paid day off and – on a day that has come to represent consumerism at its most extreme – encouraging staff and consumers alike to forgo the shopping frenzy in favor of the great outdoors. The move epitomized the company’s ethos and kickstarted a movement to drive positive behavior change and impacts. - 6 years ago