Columbia Sportswear Company Japan, Inc, a subsidiary of Columbia Sportswear USA (Nasdaq:COLM), has named Toshio Sano to the position of President. Sano, who was previously the Executive Vice President of Columbia Sportswear Company Japan, Inc, will assume the title today.

Sano steps into this position with more than 30 years of sales, marketing and operations experience in the Japanese footwear and apparel market. Prior to joining Columbia, he held senior sales management and operations positions with Reebok Japan, most recently serving as Senior Assistant to the President. He also served as General Manager of Rockport Japan in the mid 1990's. Kinichi Sato, former Columbia Sportswear Japan President, will assume the position of Honorary Chairman of Columbia Sportswear Japan.

Sano's primary responsibility is to develop new sales and marketing strategies to strengthen the brand's presence and create future business opportunities in Japan, as previously shaped by his predecessor Sato.

"Japan has been a strong market for Columbia since the launch of our business there in 1975," said Bill Tung, Vice President of International Sales and Operations. "Positioned in the marketplace as a manufacturer of high quality functional apparel, Columbia Sportswear Japan and Sano will continue the excellent work provided by Sato to our Japanese customers."

ABOUT COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR

Founded in 1938 in Portland, Ore., Columbia Sportswear Company is a global leader in the design, sourcing, marketing and distribution of active outdoor apparel and footwear. As one of the largest outerwear brands in the world and the leading seller of skiwear in the United States, the Company has developed an international reputation for quality, performance, functionality and value. To learn more about Columbia Sportswear please visit the Company's web site at www.columbia.com.