Portland, Oregon – Pendleton Woolen Mills, the iconic American heritage brand renowned for its wool textiles and apparel, has announced a landmark change in its executive leadership. The company has named Jennifer Ingraffea as its new chief executive officer, marking a significant moment in the company’s 161-year history.
Ingraffea’s appointment is scheduled to take effect in July. She will succeed John Bishop, who has served as CEO since 2017 and previously announced his intention to retire in February, signaling a planned and orderly transition at the helm of the storied company.
A New Era of Leadership
Jennifer Ingraffea steps into the CEO role bringing a wealth of experience from prominent global brands. Her professional background includes key positions at industry giants such as Nike and The North Face. This experience in large-scale operations and brand management within the apparel and outdoor sectors is expected to inform her leadership at Pendleton.
Her ascension to the chief executive position is particularly notable as she becomes the first woman to lead Pendleton Woolen Mills since its founding in 1863. Furthermore, Ingraffea is only the third person from outside the Bishop family to hold the CEO title in the company’s long history, a testament to the deep and enduring connection the Bishop family has maintained with the business for over a century and a half.
Transitioning from Family Leadership
The outgoing CEO, John Bishop, represents the latest generation of the founding family to guide the company. Bishop began working full-time at Pendleton in 1982, dedicating decades to various facets of the business. In 1995, he relocated to Oregon to oversee critical areas, specifically managing mill fabric sales and manufacturing, roles central to the company’s core operations and product quality.
Bishop’s tenure as CEO, commencing in 2017, saw the company navigate various market dynamics while upholding its reputation for quality craftsmanship and distinctive designs, particularly its famous wool blankets and apparel. His decision to retire, announced earlier this year in February, paved the way for the current leadership transition.
Even as he steps down from the chief executive role, John Bishop will maintain a connection to the company’s governance and strategic direction. He is slated to continue to serve on the company’s board, ensuring that his extensive institutional knowledge and family perspective remain available to the leadership team and the company’s future endeavors.
Historical Context and Future Trajectory
Pendleton Woolen Mills traces its roots back to 1863, when Thomas Kay, a young English weaver, began working in an Oregon mill. Kay’s grandsons, the Bishops, founded Pendleton Woolen Mills in 1909, building upon the family’s textile expertise. For generations, the CEO role has predominantly been held by members of the Bishop family, making the appointment of an external leader, particularly Ingraffea, a significant departure from long-standing tradition.
The decision to appoint Ingraffea, with her background in large, dynamic brands, suggests a potential focus on evolving the brand’s market presence while respecting its heritage. Her experience at companies like Nike and The North Face could bring fresh perspectives on marketing, retail strategy, and operational efficiency to Pendleton.
This leadership change, while historic, is being managed through a planned transition, allowing Bishop to prepare for retirement and ensuring a smooth handover of responsibilities to Ingraffea starting in July. The continuation of John Bishop on the board underscores the company’s commitment to preserving its foundational values and legacy while embracing new leadership for future growth.
Ingraffea’s entry into the role as the first woman and third non-family CEO since the company’s inception in 1863 is a pivotal moment, signaling a blend of continuity through board guidance and a strategic infusion of outside experience at the executive level.
