Simon Perkins Becomes Third Generation to lead Orvis

We are pleased to announce that Simon Perkins has been named the new president of the Orvis Company, representing the third generation of the Perkins family to lead Orvis. The son of Leigh “Perk” Perkins, former Orvis CEO, and grandson of Leigh H. Perkins, who purchased The Orvis Company in 1965, Simon was raised in a culture that placed a high value on exploring the adventure and wonder in nature and environmental stewardship.

“This company has meant so much to me throughout my life as I’ve watched it grow into the brand it is today. Orvis has gone from a catalog mail-order company to a globally recognized fishing, wingshooting, and lifestyle apparel brand that is deeply invested in education and conservation,” says Perkins. “Orvis has the ability to make this world a better place, to inspire others to get outside, explore and connect with the outdoor wonders of the world. I look forward to working with our incredible team and partners to continue providing best in class products and service to our customers, and guiding the company and our community into the future.”

Before joining Orvis, Simon spent 11 years as a fly-fishing and wingshooting guide in Montana. During this time, he also hones his skills as a filmmaker, and he burst on the scene in 2012 with “Sipping Dry,” a film about the incredible–and humbling–dry-fly fishery on the Missouri River. Since then, Simon’s films have garnered hundreds of thousands of views and have been accepted into some of North America;s most prestigious festivals. Check out his vimeo channel.

Simon came to work at the Orvis Home Office in January 2012, serving as the e-commerce merchant for fly fishing and hunting. He has since filled leadership roles across the merchandising, adventures and brand marketing teams, serving as vice president of brand marketing prior to his appointment as Chief Operating Officer in 2018. In his time at Orvis, Simon has championed projects aimed at diversifying the sport of fly fishing, such as the 50/50 on the Water initiative and the Breaking Barriers Award, which honors individuals who have gone above and beyond to bring new blood into the sport by breaking down barriers and introducing new audiences to the sport of fly fishing. Perkins also serves on the board of Trout Unlimited Headwaters, and has been a driver of Orvis’s involvement in advocacy for conservation projects in locations such as Bristol Bay, Alaska, and Florida’s Everglades.