Columbia Names Berta To Head Footwear

Columbia Sportswear Co. promoted Bill Berta to GM of its footwear division. Berta will manage both Columbia and Sorel footwear brands. Columbia acquired the Sorel brand in September 2000, and Berta was named GM of the Sorel division in January. "Bill is one of the most knowledgeable, experienced people in the footwear industry," said Tim Boyle, Columbia's CEO. "Given his expertise with Columbia footwear and his success in integrating the Sorel brand into Columbia's existing operations, he is the ideal person to lead both footwear brands."

Berta joined Columbia Sportswear in 1996 as manager of footwear sales for the U.S. and has helped propel the growth of Columbia's footwear business. Prior to joining Columbia, Berta worked for Wolverine as key account manager and was the national sales manager of Hi-Tech Sports.