Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s look to reduce carbon footprint with new hire

Two of the best-known and iconic fishing tackle retailers in the US have appointed a Chief Sustainability Officer.

Former Patagonia Vice President of Corporate Development, Phil Graves (above), has joined Bass Pro Shops and Cabela and will be working with Bass Pro Shops founder, Johnny Morris, on the companies’ conservation mission across North America.

“Conservation is central to everything we do and we couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome an industry-recognised leader in sustainability to our Great American Outdoors Group of companies,” said Morris.

“Phil’s talents and passion for the outdoors makes him a natural fit for this role and his leadership and expertise will advance our conservation mission and impact across the region.”

At Patagonia, Graves led its $79m Tin Shed Ventures corporate unit, which invested in environmentally-minded start-up companies. He also launched and oversaw the brand’s Worn Wear certified pre-owned division and managed the overall corporate development team. He has also held roles at Deloitte and PWC.

“I grew up loving the outdoors and am passionate about the role businesses can – and should – play in enhancing the natural world around us,” said Graves. “It’s an honour to join a visionary like Johnny Morris to lead sustainability efforts for North America’s premier outdoor and conservation company while inspiring the next generation of conservationists through the invaluable work of the Johnny Morris Conservation Foundation.’

Graves will work closely with Morris to advance sustainability efforts across the organisation, including manufacturing, supply chain and operations. Reducing its environmental footprint is an extension of Bass Pro Shops long-term commitment to conservation.

He will also work alongside Bob Ziehmer, Bass Pro Shops Senior Director of Conservation to further expand wildlife conservation and educational programmes under the non-for-profit Johnny Morris Conservation Foundation. In addition to operating two of America’s conservation attractions, Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium and Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, the Foundation is forging an alliance to lead North America’s largest conservation movement.