Ryan Gellert, born in 1972 in Cocoa Beach, Florida, is the CEO of Patagonia, Inc., a position he has held since 2020. With a unique blend of legal, financial, and operational expertise, Gellert brings a deeply rooted commitment to environmental activism and ethical business practices. He holds a B.S. in Finance from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, an MBA from the Florida Institute of Technology, and a J.D. from the University of Utah.
Before Patagonia, Gellert spent 15 years at Black Diamond Equipment, where he led global operations and developed a deep connection to the outdoor industry. In 2014, he joined Patagonia as General Manager for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. There, he expanded the brand’s environmental footprint, leading the “Save the Blue Heart of Europe” campaign to protect Balkan rivers and launching Patagonia Action Works in Europe, a digital platform linking citizens with environmental organizations.
As Patagonia’s CEO, Gellert has reinforced the company’s mission: “We’re in business to save our home planet.” He played a key role in Patagonia’s 2022 ownership shift, through which all profits not reinvested in the business are now directed to fight climate change and protect undeveloped land around the world. This bold move further cements Patagonia’s role as a leader in environmental and social responsibility.
Known for his understated leadership and outdoor lifestyle, Gellert is an avid climber and snowboarder. He has served on the boards of several environmental organizations and remains a strong advocate for grassroots activism. Now based in California with his wife and two children, Gellert continues to steer Patagonia with a rare blend of pragmatism and idealism, proving that business can be both profitable and principled.
However, Gellert’s tenure has not been without controversy. In 2024, Patagonia laid off approximately 1% of its workforce, citing economic challenges and the need to adapt the company’s structure. While the company provided support to affected employees, the layoffs drew criticism, especially given Patagonia’s reputation for employee welfare. Additionally, Gellert’s outspoken political activism, including his opposition to the Trump administration’s plans to sell off public lands, has sparked debate about the role of corporate leaders in political discourse. Some critics argue that such stances may alienate certain customer segments, while supporters commend his commitment to environmental and social causes.
Gellert’s leadership exemplifies the challenges and complexities of aligning corporate operations with environmental and social values in today’s dynamic business landscape.
Anecdotes
While visiting activists in Eastern Europe, Ryan Gellert skipped the formal meeting and asked to hike the river they were fighting to protect — a quiet move that led to Patagonia’s “Blue Heart” campaign.
