Randy Harward

Randy Harward, a former "In Conversation" guest, a long-time friend of David's and a devout GTDer, has been Patagonia's Quality Director since 1987, and for twelve years prior to joining Patagonia he managed several Patagonia distributors, which makes this his 34th year working with the company. He has used the GTD system for many years seeing it not only as a tool for himself, but also as a key part of an overall management philosophy, an integral part of the ability of any organization to successfully achieve it's purpose. As Quality Director he reviews and approves the quality of all Patagonia products and raw materials in development, he audits all potential new Patagonia factories world-wide, he manages Patagonia's global quality systems for raw materials and finished goods, he helps assess environmental impacts, and he collaborates in the development and successful implementation of more sustainable strategies. His role is and has been broad, with involvement in all aspects of product and service operations having also served as Director of Environmental R&D, and as Director of Raw Material and New Technology Development. His education is in Botany and Plant Physiology at Florida Tech and San Jose State University.