Henry Barber

About Henry Barber

Henry Barber spent his early years in Massachusetts, summers on Narragansett Bay in RI, and hiking in NH. This fueled his desire to climb worldwide since 1968 but be near the ocean when he is home. He has climbed on six continents and saltwater fly fished in 15 countries. In 1976 he led a team climbing in the USSR, later he became Vice President of the American Alpine Club and was awarded the Pinnacle Award for outstanding climbing achievement. He has seen and experienced challenges to the climate hence his interest in the science and business that contribute to possible solutions.

In the mid 1970’s Yvon Chouinard founder / owner of Patagonia was one of his regular climbing partners so naturally he worked at Patagonia for 23.5 years eventually becoming the Director of North American Wholesale. During this time Patagonia had many challenges of natural growth but he also experienced the fire of Malden Mills, which was the producer of fleece more than 50% of the wholesale business. He also was at the helm when Patagonia transitioned to organic cotton, which was stressful for to retailers, reps, and suppliers. He became an in-house consultant for Patagonia working in Japan, Europe, and North America with designers, marketing, sales, and service departments. After leaving Patagonia, he had a 25-year run working with ten top outdoor industry companies in the USA and Europe.