South African-born David Labistour (52) was recently made CEO of Vancouver-based Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC), an outdoor-gear retail chain. The former professional windsurfer is the first CEO promoted from within the organisation. David, son of Dennis and Joan Labistour, well-known racehorse trainers and breeders in Mooi River, immigrated to Canada in 1999. He is married to Lianne and they have two sons. David's sister is Winks Greene, world famous horse and rugby physiotherapist. After completing his compulsory military service, he enrolled for a Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Cape Town. He left in his final year to become a professional windsurfer. In South Africa, his retail career started at Rex Trueform, and was followed by moves to Adidas and Woolworths. After arriving in Canada, he worked as a consultant with clothing retailer Aritzia. He joined MEC as the head of the buy-and-design team in 2003.
MEC operates outdoor-gear stores across Canada. It was founded in Vancouver in 1971 by six mountain climbers who wanted a store where they could buy mountaineering, rock climbing, ski touring and hiking gear that was not available in conventional retail outlets. MEC generated an estimated revenue of $250 million in 2007, and is one of the largest retail co-ops in Canada with 2.7 million members across Canada and around the world. It is a member-owned co-operative governed by an elected volunteer board of directors. A senior management team headed by David Labistour runs day-to-day operations. At the end of each year, profits in the form of membership shares are distributed to members. After assessing the co-op's financial needs for the next year, the board of directors buys back the patronage shares from members.
