Noto Group Adds Senior Partners Kirsty Schofield and Cody Johns to Expand Global Consumer Practice

PORTLAND, OR | LEEDS, UK — September 15, 2026 — Noto Group, an executive search and leadership advisory firm serving consumer brands across North America and Europe, today announced the addition of Kirsty Schofield and Cody Johns as Senior Partners.

The appointments expand Noto Group’s expertise and strengthen the firm’s ability to support clients through growth, transformation, and strategic change. “Cody and Kirsty bring highly complementary experience, deep consumer sector expertise, and a genuine connection to how we work,” said Sara Spirko, Managing Partner of Noto Group. “Both understand that finding the right leader starts with gaining full context including the desired outcomes beneath the hiring need. That perspective, combined with rigorous assessment and close client partnership, is central to how we approach every search.”

Kirsty Schofield Strengthens International Practice

Based in the UK, Schofield brings 15 years of executive search experience and will help grow Noto Group’s fashion, lifestyle, beauty, and wellness practices. She joins Senior Partner John Copeland in expanding the firm’s international reach, leveraging her network across Europe, Asia, and North America.”

A founding member and shareholder of PartnerWise, Schofield built a senior-level search practice serving leading consumer brands across functions and markets. She advises boards, CEOs, and executive teams on critical appointments, combining Hogan certification and assessment expertise with a strong understanding of the leadership required to drive growth, transformation, and long-term performance.

“Throughout my career, I’ve been drawn to organizations and leaders building something meaningful,” said Schofield. “Noto Group’s consumer focus, values, and proven Sure Hire process really resonate with me. I’m excited to work with our clients as they make important leadership decisions and shape the future of their brands.”

“I’ve known Kirsty for a while and have tremendous respect for the practice she has built,” said John Copeland, Senior Partner at Noto Group. “I’m thrilled to work alongside her as we extend Noto Group’s reach with top leaders and consumer brands around the world.”

Cody Johns Returns to Her Executive Recruiting Roots

Johns has nearly two decades of experience in executive search, talent strategy, and organizational transformation. She joins Noto Group after more than 14 years at Nike, most recently as Director, Talent Business Partner, advising VP and SVP leaders on succession planning, organizational capability, and leadership hiring across Sales, Direct to Consumer, Design, and Product. She also played a key role in a major realignment that moved more than 2,000 employees into a new operating model in fewer than 90 days.

Previously, Johns served as Nike’s Executive Sourcing Director, helping scale the company’s executive sourcing capabilities, and earlier led executive recruiting across Product Management, Merchandising, and Product Creation.

Johns’ move to Noto Group marks a full-circle moment. Notowitz gave her first opportunity in executive recruiting at Generator Group, the search firm he founded before Noto Group. She later built on that foundation through senior talent roles at Adidas and Nike.

“It’s been rewarding to watch Cody build an exceptional career,” said Notowitz. “She returns with a rare combination of executive recruiting expertise and firsthand experience advising leaders inside a global organization on talent, succession, and organizational transformation.”

“I’ve followed Noto Group’s growth and have always respected its commitment to helping great companies make consequential leadership decisions,” said Johns. “Having seen those decisions from both inside organizations and as a search professional, bringing that perspective to Noto Group feels like a natural next chapter.”

Johns will advise clients on executive search, leadership selection, and talent strategy, with a focus on fitness and sporting goods, fashion, wellness, and beauty sectors.

Expanding Noto Group’s Consumer Leadership Platform

“Kirsty and Cody strengthen our firm in distinct but highly complementary ways,” Notowitz added. “Kirsty brings extensive international search experience and deep relationships across global consumer markets, while Cody brings firsthand experience inside a world-class consumer organization. Together, they broaden our ability to help founders, CEOs, boards, and investors build leadership teams equipped to grow, evolve, and endure.”

About Noto Group

Noto Group is a global executive search and leadership advisory firm that helps consumer brands recruit, select, and prepare exceptional leaders for critical roles, often during periods of growth, transformation, turnaround, or strategic change.

Founded in 2009, the firm specializes in C-suite, VP, and Director-level search across sporting goods, outdoor, apparel, footwear, CPG, food and beverage, fashion, lifestyle, beauty, personal care, travel, and hospitality. With offices across the U.S. and UK, Noto Group combines the high-touch service of a boutique firm with the reach and assessment capabilities of the larger global search firms.

Noto Group is a Certified B Corporation since 2013 and a member of 1% for the Planet.

Visit www.notogroup.com to learn more.

rePurpose Global Becomes an Approved 1% for the Planet Impact Partner

New York, NY, September 15, 2026 — rePurpose Global announced today its official approval as an Impact Partner within the 1% for the Planet network. The partnership brings together 1% for the Planet’s global giving network and rePurpose Global’s network of verified plastic recovery projects strengthening waste systems worldwide.

As an approved Impact Partner in the network, rePurpose Global has completed 1% for the Planet’s robust vetting process and is now eligible to receive contributions from 1% for the Planet Members—companies that are held accountable for directing at least 1% of annual revenue to vetted and approved environmental organizations. This gives businesses a simple way to fund verified plastic recovery and take meaningful action on plastic waste while meeting their 1% commitments.

To date, rePurpose Global has enabled the recovery of more than 110 million pounds of plastic waste across India, Indonesia, Colombia, Cameroon, Kenya, and beyond. The impact extends far beyond the tonnage recovered: funding this work supports dignified incomes for waste workers, strengthens community waste management systems, and helps protect coastlines and ecosystems from plastic pollution.

Businesses that direct their environmental giving to rePurpose Global’s projects receive clear visibility into where their contributions go and the specific impact they help create, backed by transparent, traceable reporting. This gives businesses verified impact data to support credible plastic recovery claims and ESG reporting, while also bringing the impact behind the numbers to life through stories of the people, communities, and ecosystems their contributions support.

“We have long admired how 1% for the Planet mobilizes businesses around a model that is simple by design yet profound in its impact. We’re incredibly proud to join this global community and excited to reach more businesses committed to environmental action. For rePurpose, that means helping more resources reach the people doing the hard work of tackling plastic pollution every day — recovering waste, building stronger local systems, and creating dignified livelihoods in communities around the world.”

— Manika Doshi, CEO, rePurpose Global

“1% for the Planet is rooted in the belief that every business, everywhere, has a responsibility to invest in solutions so our planet and future generations thrive. Our core work is to grow corporate support for the organizations delivering these critical environmental solutions so they can create even greater impact. We welcome rePurpose Global into our global network of members and impact partners working together to create a thriving future.”

— Kate Williams, CEO, 1% for the Planet

Together, rePurpose Global and 1% for the Planet are connecting more businesses with meaningful environmental action and more resources with the people and communities delivering it on the ground.

Businesses interested in supporting verified plastic recovery through rePurpose Global can learn more at repurpose.global or book a call.

Media contact

For rePurpose media inquiries, reach out to hello@repurpose.global.

For 1% for the Planet media inquiries, contact media@onepercentfortheplanet.org.

Outdoor Alliance heads to D.C. this week to advocate for public lands and waters

Washington, D.C. (September 14, 2026) — Days before a comment deadline that will affect 45 million acres of National Forest land and the recreation experiences on them, Outdoor Alliance and more than 60 outdoor recreation leaders representing 18 states are on Capitol Hill this week meeting with members of Congress. They will urge Congress to focus on conservation priorities such as protecting public lands and investing in the agencies that manage them as major decisions over the future of America’s national forests and other public lands come to a head.

The delegation includes representatives from national and regional recreation organizations, outdoor businesses, and conservation groups, including Patagonia, American Whitewater, Winter Wildlands Alliance, The Mountaineers, Runners for Public Lands, Washington Trails Association, Colorado Mountain Club, Bikepacking Roots, and others.

Organized by Outdoor Alliance, the annual fly-in brings together outdoor industry leaders, nonprofit organizations, and recreation advocates for meetings with lawmakers and federal agencies. This year’s meetings come just days before the close of a public comment period on the proposed rescission of the Roadless Rule.

Last summer, lawmakers rejected proposals to sell off millions of acres of public lands after an unprecedented outpouring of public opposition. But the pressure on public lands has continued. Over the past year, the administration has moved to roll back the Roadless Rule and other conservation policies, reconsider how motorized use is managed across national forests, and reduce staffing and capacity at federal land management agencies.

Congress has an opportunity to chart a different course. Fly-in participants will ask lawmakers to protect America’s backcountry forests, reauthorize the Legacy Restoration Fund, oppose future public-land sales, and ensure federal land management agencies have the staffing and resources needed to steward public lands and recreation.

“Public lands and outdoor recreation are bipartisan American values that have long united people across political lines,” said Adam Cramer, CEO of the Outdoor Alliance. “Last summer, Americans sent a clear message that they want public lands to stay in public hands. Keeping them healthy and accessible also requires smart conservation policy, sustained investment, and strong, well-resourced land management agencies. This week, more than 60 outdoor leaders are bringing that message directly to Congress.”

The following issues will be top priorities with lawmakers this week:

  • Keep Public Lands Public: Fly-in participants will urge lawmakers to oppose proposals that sell or transfer public lands or prioritize private interests over public benefit. Outdoor Alliance’s recent Public Lands at Risk report highlights more than 20 recreation landscapes on Forest Service and BLM lands facing current threats.
  • Protect the Roadless Rule: The administration is moving to rescind protections for 45 million acres of national forests, including more than 25,000 miles of trails and more than 10,000 miles of mountain biking. Fly-in participants will urge lawmakers to defend the Roadless Rule and the backcountry recreation, clean water, wildlife habitat, and communities it supports.
  • Reauthorize the Legacy Restoration Fund: With the fund expired and land management agencies facing a roughly $41 billion maintenance backlog, fly-in participants will urge Congress to renew investment in trails, campgrounds, roads, bridges, visitor facilities, and other recreation infrastructure.
  • Travel Management: The Forest Service is considering changes that would move toward an “open unless designated closed” approach to motorized use on national forests. Fly-in participants will raise concerns about impacts to human-powered recreation, natural and cultural resources, and the additional decision-making burden this could place on already understaffed local Forest Service offices.

Fly-in participants representing outdoor recreation organizations, businesses, and communities across the country are available for interviews about the national and local impacts of these public-land policy decisions.

To learn more, please visit www.outdooralliance.org.

About Outdoor Alliance

Outdoor Alliance is a nonprofit coalition of organizations that includes American Whitewater, American Canoe Association, Access Fund, International Mountain Bicycling Association, Winter Wildlands Alliance, The Mountaineers, American Alpine Club, Runners for Public Lands, Colorado Mountain Club, and Surfrider Foundation. For more than ten years, Outdoor Alliance has united the human-powered outdoor recreation community to achieve lasting conservation victories. Our work has helped to permanently protect 40 million acres of public land, secure $5.1 billion in funding for the outdoors, and convert more than 100,000 outdoor enthusiasts into outdoor advocates. For more information, visit www.outdooralliance.org

Peter Rauch Named President of Mountain Hardwear

PORTLAND, Ore — September 11, 2026 — Columbia Sportswear Company (Nasdaq: COLM), a leading innovator in active outdoor apparel, footwear, accessories and equipment, today announced that Peter Rauch will be the new President of the Mountain Hardwear brand.  Mountain Hardwear’s mission is to encourage and equip people to seek wilder paths. With over 30 years of wild wisdom, Mountain Hardwear continues to offer premium technical apparel, accessories and equipment products for climbers, mountaineers, skiers, snowboarders, and trail athletes. Troy Sicotte will transition to a new role as Global Vice President, Sales for Mountain Hardwear.

Mr. Rauch transitions from his current role as General Manager of Columbia Brand North America and brings nearly 20 years of experience across the Columbia family of brands, deep industry expertise, and a genuine passion for the outdoors.

“Throughout his career, Peter has built strong cross-functional partnerships, developed high-performing teams, and delivered meaningful business results,” said Peter Bragdon, President, Columbia Sportswear Company. “His deep understanding of our business, combined with his commitment to the outdoor industry and consumers we serve, positions him well to lead Mountain Hardwear into its next chapter.”

Since joining Mountain Hardwear almost eight years ago and serving as President for nearly five years, Mr. Sicotte has played a pivotal role in strengthening the brand and building a strong foundation for future success. In Mr. Sicotte’s new role, he will focus on strengthening marketplace relationships.

“We are grateful for Troy’s contributions and are excited about the leadership he will continue to bring to the brand,” said Craig Zanon, EVP, Europe Direct, Asia Direct and Emerging Brands. “His deep industry expertise, strong retailer partnerships and global perspective position him well to help drive the Mountain Hardwear brand’s next phase of growth and success.”

“As I transition into this new role, I am excited about Mountain Hardwear’s future and the opportunities ahead. I look forward to strengthening relationships with our marketplace partners globally and helping drive the brand’s continued growth,” said Troy Sicotte. Mr. Rauch and Mr. Sicotte will begin their new positions on September 28.

About Mountain Hardwear

Mountain Hardwear, Inc., was founded in 1993 and is based in Richmond, CA. We exist to encourage and equip people to seek a wilder path in life. For over 30 years, we’ve built essential equipment for climbers, mountaineers, and outdoor athletes and have supported expeditions on the world’s highest peaks. Relentless precision continues to inspire everything we do — our designers sweat every stitch and detail to continuously improve function, durability, and comfort.

Mountain Hardwear is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Columbia Sportswear Company, which distributes its products through specialty outdoor retailers in the United States and worldwide. www.mountainhardwear.com

UDisc Uncorks List of 10 Best Disc Golf Courses at Wineries

MINNEAPOLIS — September 10, 2026 — UDisc, the leading disc golf course directory and smartphone app, is revealing its tasting notes for the 10 Best Disc Golf Courses at Wineries for 2026. This year’s vintage includes scenic properties in eight U.S. states and one Canadian province, proving that disc golf and wine make for a perfect pairing.

“There’s nothing quite like a day at a vineyard, and adding disc golf makes that experience even more memorable,” UDisc Co-Founder and CEO Josh Lichti said. “Whether it’s the views, the hospitality, or the varietals on offer, each venue on this list provides a unique way for visitors to also enjoy one of the fastest-growing forms of recreation in the world.”

Pennsylvania’s Aviator Vineyard & Winery tops the list with its challenging Preserve at AGA Farms.  Courses in California’s Paso Robles and New York’s Finger Lakes bring well-known wine regions to the list, while dual-purpose vineyard/breweries in Virginia and North Carolina also stand out.

That geographic spread reflects disc golf’s continued success: More than three courses were built per day in 2025, according to UDisc’s Disc Golf Growth Report, bringing the global tally to more than 17,000 places to play in over 100 countries.

Download the UDisc app to record your rounds, discover more winery courses, and experience disc golf near you.

About UDisc

UDisc is the world’s #1 disc golf app, trusted by millions of players to record rounds, discover courses, and measure their progress. UDisc’s mission is to empower the world to play more disc golf by supporting players and organizers around the globe. Now the industry standard for measuring disc golf participation, infrastructure, and reach, the company’s Disc Golf Health Index focuses on the places where new courses can be most impactful. Learn more at UDisc.com.

LOWA and Summit Scholarship Foundation Complete Matterhorn Adventure

September 10, 2026 – Salt Lake City, Utah – LOWA, a global footwear brand renowned for over 100 years of premium craftsmanship, celebrates the successful completion of the LOWA Matterhorn Adventure in partnership with the Summit Scholarship Foundation, a non-profit that provides women access to mountaineering through training, mentorship, and financial assistance.

On September 2, scholarship recipients Tiffany Diep of New Hampshire and Noemi Kreuz of Germany set out to climb the iconic Matterhorn under the guidance of world-class alpinist Ines Papert. Despite months of rigorous preparation, getting to the summit was not straightforward. Conditions on the 14,692 ft mountain proved to be challenging for weeks leading up to the attempt, and the team continuously reassessed the situation with the counsel of local mountain guides.

“In mountaineering, success is not measured solely by reaching a summit,” said Sunny Stroeer, Founder of the Summit Scholarship Foundation and LOWA Athlete. “Equally important is the ability to assess risks carefully and make the right decision for one’s own situation.”

Following a training day on the Riffelhorn and improved conditions on the Matterhorn, the team decided to make a summit attempt via Hörnli Ridge. Ultimately, Noemi Kreuz reached the summit along with mountain guide and LOWA ambassador Ramona Volken, while other members of the team decided to turn back at Solvay Hut after carefully evaluating their individual circumstances.

“This project was more than climbing a mountain,” said Summit Scholarship recipient Tiffany Diep. “Despite feeling drawn to the outdoors as a kid, it never crossed my mind that it was a place for me. Our journey is now documented, telling the story of the importance of gender equity in the outdoors. I hope that we can be those female role models I so desperately needed when I was a kid.”

Amidst a successful summit as well as individual turnaround decisions, the outcome of the 2026 LOWA Matterhorn Adventure reflects the program’s broader goal: creating opportunities for women to gain experience, confidence, and access to mountaineering through structured training, coaching, and support. The expedition was accompanied by an all-female film crew, with a documentary scheduled to premiere at the Tegernsee International Mountain Film Festival, October 14–18, 2026.

For more information about the Summit Scholarship Foundation and how to apply for future scholarships, visit summitscholarship.org. To learn more about LOWA USA and the latest brand news, visit us.lowa.com or contact Katie Richter at katie@darbycommunications.com.

###

About LOWA

With over 100 years of hand-crafted European heritage, LOWA is a globally respected footwear brand located in Jetzendorf, in Upper Bavaria. Since 1923, LOWA has created premium outdoor boots and shoes featuring beautiful silhouettes, best-in-class quality, and proprietary technology. Its designers adeptly navigate the outdoor performance, trail running, lifestyle, and tactical categories, always nurturing brand integrity. LOWA is one of the only footwear brands to receive ISO 9001 status for the highest quality construction and process standards. LOWA certified tactical boots are also made to comply with the European Union’s PPE standards. For more information, visit www.us.lowa.com.

About Tecnica Group

A global leader in outdoor footwear and ski equipment, Tecnica Group boasts a portfolio of some of the industry’s most historic brands: Tecnica (ski boots and footwear), Nordica (skis and boots), Moon Boot® (footwear), LOWA (trekking and outdoor shoes), Blizzard (skis), and Rollerblade® (inline skates). Founded in 1963 by the Zanatta brothers, the company has been highly innovative from the very beginning, pioneering the first double-injection plastic ski boot that revolutionized the industry and creating iconic design products such as the legendary Moon Boot.

Today, Tecnica Group is an international company with 10 subsidiaries, along with more than 40 distribution partners, exporting to over 80 countries worldwide. The company employs 3,722 people, around 400 of whom are based in Italy, primarily at its headquarters in Giavera del Montello (Treviso). In 2017, the Zanatta family, still at the helm of the Group, opened the company to external capital with the entry of Italmobiliare as a minority shareholder. For more information, visit www.tecnicagroup.com.

Selkirk names Doug Thielen as president and chief marketing officer

COEUR D’ALENE, IDAHO – Sept. 10, 2026 – Selkirk Sport, a leading manufacturer of pickleball paddles and equipment, today announced that Doug Thielen has been named president and chief marketing officer. Thielen has served as Selkirk’s CMO since November 2023.

As president, Thielen will oversee the company’s revenue channels, emerging brands, marketing strategy, and global growth and vision as Selkirk continues to expand into international markets. Co-founders Mike and Rob Barnes will continue to serve as co-CEOs.

“Doug has helped shape how Selkirk approaches the market, and he deeply understands our brand and our business,” Mike Barnes said. “As we enter this next phase of growth, his experience will help us align our operations, marketing and product strategy around the needs of players worldwide.”

Thielen brings more than 20 years of experience in outdoor and lifestyle brands, leading award-winning campaigns for companies such as REI, Filson, Mtn Dew and Dickies. As president and CMO, Thielen will focus on aligning the company’s sales channels and marketing strategy, supporting international growth and building the infrastructure needed to serve Selkirk’s expanding customer base.

“My priority is to help our teams grow in a way that keeps us focused, connected and accountable,” Thielen said. “Great companies grow when their people grow with them. That means developing strong leaders and processes, giving teams the tools to succeed and creating alignment around where we’re going and how we’ll get there.”

The leadership transition is part of Selkirk’s long-term strategic plan to scale its operations globally. In January 2026, the company accepted its first major investment from BlueStone Equity Partners, totaling $20 million.

Selkirk now operates two international headquarters in Estonia and Malaysia to support its international markets. In May 2026, Selkirk acquired Bread & Butter Pickleball to reach a broader base of pickleball players.

About Selkirk Sport

Selkirk Sport, a premium manufacturer of pickleball paddles and accessories, is a family-owned and operated company. Selkirk Sport is based in Hayden, Idaho, in the shadows of its namesake, the Selkirk mountain range. Founded in 2014, Selkirk Sport was born from a passion for sport and the Western outdoor leisure lifestyle that was afforded to the company’s founders, Rob and Mike Barnes, along with their father Jim. Selkirk Sport is committed to manufacturing products that deliver the highest performance with unmatched quality and service.

Media contact: Brynn Grissom, Sr. Manager of Public Relations: Brynn@Selkirk.com

##

Access Fund Celebrates 35 Years of Protecting America’s Climbing with a Community Celebration

BOULDER, Colo — Since 1991, Access Fund has worked to protect climbing access and conserve America’s rock climbing landscapes. On September 26, the organization will celebrate 35 years with a Birthday Celebration in Denver, Colo. The community event features special guest and professional climber Chris Sharma.

Access Fund is bringing the climbing community together to celebrate more than three decades of advocating for access, protecting public lands and crags, building trails, educating climbers and replacing bolts—work made possible by its many members, partners and supporters. On Saturday, Sept. 26, Access Fund is inviting the climbing community to Movement RiNo for climbing, clinics and games from 3-6:30 p.m., followed by an after-party at Improper City from 6:30-10 p.m. The after party will feature food, drinks, live music, giveaways, an Access Fund history exhibit and opportunities to connect with climbing legends, community leaders and professional athletes.

“We are incredibly grateful to our donors, staff, volunteers and supporters—this milestone belongs to all of them,” said Heather Thorne, executive director of Access Fund. “None of this work would be possible without the climbing community’s support, and this celebration is our way of giving back. Come join us in Denver as we celebrate 35 years together.”

Over the past 35 years, Access Fund has become the leading voice for climbers nationwide. Through its efforts, Access Fund has protected nearly 4 million acres of public land, completed over 100 land acquisitions, built thousands of feet of sustainable trail, and educated climbers across the country on responsible recreation ethics. At a grassroots level, the organization has partnered with more than 150 local climbing organizations and granted more than $1.7 million to climbing organizations, public agencies and grassroots advocates working to conserve and protect climbing areas in their own communities.

The Denver celebration is a chance to thank the community that has protected climbing access for 35 years, and to help carry that work into the next 35.

For tickets and event details, visit Eventbrite. To learn more about Access Fund and become a member, visit Accessfund.org.

About Access Fund
Access Fund is the national advocacy organization that leads and inspires the climbing community toward sustainable access and conservation of the climbing environment. Access Fund represents more than 8 million climbers nationwide in its work to protect and conserve the land, fight for sustainable access, and build a community of inspired advocates. Access Fund staff have more than 100 years of public policy and advocacy experience and have permanently protected nearly 4 million acres of public land across the country, establishing climbers as a powerful voice in the fight to protect public lands. For more information, visit accessfund.org.