Meet The Mentors
Sarah Lewis
Sarah is a highly respected international sports leader with an extensive global network across the Olympic Movement and industry. Her formative years as a young aspiring alpine ski racer were alongside working for 8 years in the UK ski industry for an import and distribution company.
Sarah became an Olympian (OLY) in Alpine Skiing. Going on to work within many sports organisations including the British Ski Federation, FIS, elected Secretary General of the Association of International Olympic Winter Sports Federation and Coordination Commissions for the Olympic Winter Games and Youth Olympic Games. Currently Sarah provides consultancy services across sport organisations and the industry holding several non-executive roles.
Ger Wright
Non-Executive Director at Frasers Group, formerly serving as Managing Director of Sport for nearly three years. Ger played a key role in implementing the elevation strategy for Sport, strengthening the Group’s omnichannel retail and market leadership in sporting goods.
With over 20 years of global leadership in commercial, retail, product, and merchandising roles, her career began at Levi’s, igniting her passion for retail, followed by 15 years at Nike where she led market expansion, business scaling, transformation and high-performing teams across EMEA.
Ger is also a founding member of Global Game Shapers, she believes that, together, we can inspire, develop, and redefine the game to empower the next generation of female leaders in the Sports industry.
Rachel Brine
A purpose-driven brand and communications strategist with over 12 years of experience in the outdoor and sports industry. Rachel brings energy, vision, and a deep passion for storytelling that sparks connection and drives change.
From global campaigns to grassroots initiatives, she’s led teams at iconic brands like icebreaker and Lowe Alpine, and now serves as EMEA Marketing Lead and Global PR Lead at Sea to Summit. Based in Switzerland, Rachel thrives on adventure, collaboration, and empowering others. “I’m here to support and inspire the next generation of female leaders in the outdoor industry because I know firsthand how helpful the right guidance can be. Now it’s my time to give back.”
Gemma Richardson
Gemma, CEO & Founder, All About People, truly is passionate about all things people. Believing in treating individuals with respect, celebrating differences and embedding a human-centric approach in the workplace. She helps organisations build strong, sustainable work environments where employees thrive. Over a 20 year career, Gemma has worked in the software, technology, travel, environmental and sporting sectors, across a number of different roles. Previously spending time coaching and mentoring business leaders, HR professional and new entrants to the workplace. Working internationally across the US, UK, Ireland, Nordics, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. Also spending some time living in the US, Hong Kong and Singapore.
Pinky Ghadiall
An experienced Non-Executive Director, board advisor, mentor and award-winning executive coach with over 20 years empowering leaders across healthcare, retail, tech, pharma, and social impact sectors. Specialising in governance, strategic growth, and transformative change, advising boards on compliance, risk management, and effective decision-making. As founder of Netwomen and Mindset by Pinky, Pinky champions Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) through CPD-certified leadership programs. Her coaching blends Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and mediation techniques to support senior executives in overcoming challenges such as imposter syndrome, burnout, and conflict resolution. Recognised as a UK Delegate for UN Women & one of the Top 100 Women in Tech UK.
Sabina Voysey
Sabina grew up on a farm and has always had a love of all that the outdoors has to offer. Sabina attended agricultural college, before working as a bookkeeper for a Farm Management Consultancy business.
Whilst working, she studied to achieve a professional accountancy qualification in 2001, before joining the Camping and Caravanning Club in 2002 as Finance Manager. Sabina worked her way up the organisation, achieving an MBA from Oxford Brookes University in 2012, and taking on the role of Director General in 2019.
“It has been a privilege to have the opportunity to be a mentor, seeing individuals become more self-assured, successfully addressing their challenges – to be the best that they can be!”.
Danielle Reiff-Jongerius
After working in Sales and Marketing at Esprit, Gaastra/McGregor, and O’Neill in the Netherlands and Belgium, Danielle moved to Munich, Germany, where she shifted into content production for adventure sports events. It was there that she realized her ambition to become self-employed and build something of her own.
Today, she leads a content production and marketing agency with her husband, shaping its direction around the family life they envisioned together.
“I see my generation as a bridge between the past and the future—and I’m committed to contributing to healthy, sustainable work environments for everyone across that spectrum.”
Joyce van Rijthoven
Joyce joined Columbia Sportswear a little over 10 years ago coming from a flat country, with a background in fashion, and no prior experience in the outdoor industry. Since then, she’s held multiple roles across the company and has navigated a steep learning curve—not just in adapting to a new industry, but also to a new country, and a global way of working. Today, leading marketing for EMEA distributors as part of the Distributor Marketing team.
“Over the years, I’ve been lucky to work alongside inspiring women, and I’d love to pay that forward. If you’re looking to grow—whether you’re navigating a new industry, building your confidence, or figuring out your next step—I’d be happy to support you as a mentor.
Kath Smith
Kath has over 40 years experience in building world leading consumer brands including Mars and Guinness, with 25 of those years in the sports, lifestyle and outdoor sectors with adidas, Reebok and The North Face – achieving unprecedented results.
She has held non executive roles as: Senior Independent Director of JD Sports Fashion Plc member of ESG, Nominations and ARC committees and Designated NED.
Chaired both Rem and Nominations committees. Successfully led the recruitment process for the JD Group Chair and CEO. Joined the founders of Montirex, as Chair on January 1st 2024.
Kath Hipwell
Kath is the CEO of the Association of British Climbing Walls; the national trade body for the indoor climbing industry in the UK. Over the five years of her involvement the organisation has significantly grown in scale and professionalism both in terms of membership offer and the ABC team itself. Previous to her involvement in the climbing industry, Kath worked in brand and marketing strategy. on clients including the BBC and The Times; experience that has been a useful foundation for her work running the ABC. Kath is a strong believer in work experience and other opportunities being available democratically, not just through ‘who you know’. She has had a really positive experience with a mentor of her own in the past and would love to help someone else through this OIA Programme.
Alice Marmion
Alice Marmion, Supply Chain and Sustainability Director, is an experienced leader in the fashion and sportswear sector, working at the intersection of business strategy, operations and sustainability.
Experience spans not-for-profit organisations, Global FTSE100 companies, as well as start-ups and scale-ups in the UK and EU.
Recent appointments have involved the creation and execution of comprehensive product value chain strategies, with a focus on sourcing, sustainability integration into commercial strategy, and transformation.
Dr Adele Doran
Adele is a researcher of sustainable outdoor recreation. Whilst her research has focused on various aspects of outdoor recreation – decent work, leadership and governance, recreation behaviours and motivations, adventure philanthropy, nature connection and wellbeing – her passion is making the outdoors more gender inclusive and she has researched extensively the experiences of women who participate or work in outdoor recreation. She sits on the British Mountaineering Council’s Equity Committee, the Outdoor Recreation Network’s Executive Committee, and the European of Outdoor Sports Network Scientific Committee.
Currently, the Research & Innovation Lead at Sheffield Business School.
Cat Shearer
Cat has built her career in the UK outdoor industry over the last 18 years, working with brands and people who share a love for the outdoors and a drive to make it more inclusive and sustainable. She is currently with the GORE-TEX Brand, where she focuses on account marketing and PR. Cat’s role centres on partnerships that bring our product technologies to life, helping people feel and perform at their best.
“Outside of work, I love running, biking, and spending time outdoors with my family—it’s where I feel most at home. I’m excited to be a part of the OIA Women’s Network, where I’m keen to support others, keep learning, and share what I’ve picked up along the way.”
Lucy I'Anson
An accomplished Marketing and Communications leader with a track record of developing and managing multi-tiered, strategic communication projects, specialising in PR and activating brand partnerships on a Global and European level. Lucy’s experience spans Sport, Major Events, Music, Fashion, and FMCG sectors. With a passion for sport and the outdoors, Lucy has led The North Face European PR agency for 10 years and worked across sporting brands including New Balance, Reebok and UEFA. She has supported brands in sports partnerships, working on Bridgestone’s Olympic campaign, BUPA’s B2B paralympic campaign and with QBE insurance in Rugby. A seasoned communicator and storyteller, who would love to share her experiences with others.
Esther Woollett
With a global career spanning iconic brands like Columbia Sportswear, Odlo, Mammut, Swatch, Apple, Timberland, and Disney, I bring deep expertise in D2C and B2C omnichannel strategy, Sales, Retail, Distribution Partnerships, Real Estate, and Store Development. I’ve led transformative initiatives, owned P&L, and built high-performing, cross-cultural teams that deliver results. As a mother of three and proud grandmother, I understand the balance of career and family life. This personal experience has shaped my leadership style with empathy, resilience, and a strong commitment to inclusion. I’m passionate creating space for diverse voices to thrive. I’m also part of the Columbia DEI Council. I believe leadership is about lifting others as you climb—and making space for every voice at the table.
Fang Liao
Sr. Director of Operations at Columbia Sportswear, based in Geneva, Switzerland, with 20+ years of international experience across Asia, North America, and Europe in the sportswear, tech, and consumer goods industries. My journey began in China, continued through engineering studies in Canada, and evolved into leadership roles in the Netherlands and Switzerland. I’m also a proud mom of two (ages 12 and 9), and married to a Norwegian husband—our family is a true blend of cultures.
I’m passionate about empowering women to lead with authenticity, courage, and purpose. I believe in creating inclusive spaces where women can thrive, challenge norms, and drive meaningful change. Let’s connect, share stories, and lift each other up!
EVELYNE GARREAU
Originated from the French Alps I had the opportunity to build my career internationally. I grew my expertise in the Supply Chain world and I love to connect the dots and find solutions. I studied International Business and I have been able to apply and expand my experience having to deal with international distributors, European wholesalers for Outdoor Brands : Columbia Sportswear, Salomon.
I enjoy managing multi-cultural teams in remote locations. My values are trust, respect and loyalty. To achieve this relationship building is key.
Eager to learn and share, I am keen to start this mentoring program
EMILIE CHARTRAND
HR Director at La Cordée, an outdoor retailer in Montréal, Canada, and a passionate mountain enthusiast. Whether climbing Munros in Scotland, sleeping under the stars, or simply finding calm in nature, she draws inspiration from the outdoors and carries those lessons into her work and leadership. Guided by one of her favourite quotes from Conrad Anker “The summit is what drives us, but the climb itself is what matters.” Emilie believes in valuing the journey as much as the destination. Professionally, she is dedicated to shaping inclusive workplaces, fostering growth, and building meaningful connections. As a mentor, she is eager to share her love of the outdoors, her leadership experience, and her commitment to empowering women to grow, connect, and thrive.
Jenni Staudacher
Jenni Staudacher is a veteran footwear industry and has held numerous senior supply chain roles across Nike, adidas, Columbia Sportwear and Salomon. Her work has most often been focused on functional development and transformation, spanning across the entire customer fulfillment horizon. Jenni drives team success with a focus on strategic planning, performance management and engagement, enabled by a culture of development and curiosity.
Jenni is passionate about inclusion and has been involved in the creation of numerous Women’s Leadership initiatives. Some of her greatest strengths lie in personal development and she has developed numerous leadership programs to help grow those around her.
Jenni Staudacher
I’m Jeanette Francke, VP of Marketing at Peak Performance. I’m passionate about creative processes, brand building, and leading strong, purpose-driven teams. With a deep love for skiing and the outdoors, I’m inspired every day to shape a brand that reflects an active, adventurous lifestyle. I thrive on turning ideas into impactful campaigns and bringing stories to life that connect with people on an emotional level. For me, marketing is about more than just visibility—it’s about building something meaningful, authentic, and lasting. I’m driven by collaboration, energy, and the challenge of pushing boundaries, both creatively and strategically. At Peak Performance, I get to combine what I love with what I do—and that’s what keeps me moving forward.
The Programme
We are delighted to bring to you phase 3 of our Mentoring programme. After the outstanding success of previous years we are providing more Mentors and Mentee places to the programme.
Our World Class Mentors will run small group mentoring session (max 3 per group) for approx 1 hour sessions on a monthly basis from September 2025 to March 2026.
The programme is open to all women working within the Outdoor Industry regardless of their level within the business.