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Adventure apparel retailer Kathmandu has appointed John Harvey as interim chairman following the death of long-serving chairman James Strong.

Strong has been the chairman of the company since Kathmandu dual listed on the ASX and NZX following a successful IPO in November 2009.

Following his passing yesterday, the board of directors of Kathmandu Holdings have appointed Harvey as interim chairman with immediate effect.

Harvey will remain interim chairman until Kathmandu’s 2013 annual general meeting, at which time the board is expected to settle on a permanent chairmanship.

Commenting on Strong's passing, Harvey noted the critical role that he had played in the successful trans-Tasman float of the company.

“James’ contribution was very important to securing our initial listing, and we have been very fortunate to have been guided by such an esteemed trans-Tasman business leader during our formative and successful first three years as a public company,” he said.

Harvey also revealed that Strong had been enthusiastic about continuing in his role as chairman following his re-election last November.

“His loss will be felt throughout the business community in both Australia and New Zealand, and my fellow directors and I are very grateful to have had the benefit of his leadership, even though it has been for just a few years of what has been an outstanding career.

“[Going forward], the board of directors remain fully supportive of the company’s growth strategy being implemented by Peter Halkett and his team. We are committed to maintaining the same high standards of governance and strategic guidance for the team at Kathmandu that James Strong oversaw during his period as chairman”.

Kathmandu CEO Peter Halkett added that the loss would be felt throughout the company.

“James has been not only a great mentor but a staunch supporter of the brand and he will be sadly missed by all in the company. I was always able to count on his full support during some challenging periods that Kathmandu has experienced as a public company. I have sincerely appreciated his honest and straight forward leadership of the company, and I am very sad to lose him as my chairman,” he said.

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