Columbia Sportswear has appointed Michael Richardson, a former executive at Gap, as its new vice-president for global merchandising. The appointment is effective immediately. Richardson has 30 years of retail experience. Most recently, he was Gap's vice-president of franchise product. At Gap, he spent around 20 years. His background also includes gourmet food products as well as sporting goods. At Columbia Sportswear, he will report to Joe Boyle, executive vice-president and president of Columbia brand.