Recreational Equipment Inc (REI) has named Mary Beth Laughton as its new president, starting on February 3. She will take on the additional role of CEO, effective March 31.

Laughton, a former director of REI, will succeed Eric Artz who is set to retire in March.

She previously worked as president and CEO at Athleta and held leadership roles at Nike and Sephora.

“Mary Beth has the ideal experience to build on this foundation and to lead REI forward into our next chapter,” said Chris Carr, chairman of the board at REI.

“The world needs a strong REI, and we are confident Mary Beth will hit the ground running.”

Earlier, REI said it was exiting its experiences business, citing the need for a sustainable economic model.