Mark Chase, a former semi-professional rugby player, and Faith Briggs, a runner, former rugby player and documentary film-maker, bested more than 4,000 applicants from the US, Canada and UK. To win, both had to beat out finalists in a test that involved hiking overnight, mountain climbing and kayaking. Columbia held its inaugural director of toughness contest last year, as we previously reported.
The campaign is designed for the directors of toughness to test Columbia’s branded sportswear through the toughest terrain and climates. “The directors of toughness are integral employees at Columbia and help showcase the lengths that many of our employees go to in order to test our gear,” Richelle Luther, senior vice president and chief human resources officer for Columbia Sportswear, said. “After interviewing so many inspiring candidates throughout the recruitment phase, we’re excited to introduce Faith and Mark and send them on their first adventure in just a few short days.”