The Maine-based outdoor apparel and clothing brand has announced its leadership transition plans for 2026.

In a move that will roll out throughout the early months of 2026, the company announced it will be promoting from within.

👇 KEEP READING: The Most Visited Maine State Parks in 2025 👇

Getty Images
Getty Images
loading...

In a press release issued in January, L.L.Bean announced that Greg Elder has been promoted to president and chief executive officer following a comprehensive internal and external search.

Elder, who has been with the company for nearly 20 years and most recently served as chief retail officer, will lead the next phase of growth through an ‘evolve and amplify' strategy that builds on L.L.Bean’s 114-year legacy of quality, customer service, and outdoor heritage.

Read More: People Can’t Get Over the Size of This Maine Coon Cat

Credit: Jordan Verge
Credit: Jordan Verge
loading...

The transition will begin in Q1 as the company wraps its fiscal year in late February, with outgoing CEO Stephen Smith remaining on board in an advisory role through March.

This follows Smith working closely with Greg Elder for more than a decade across several senior leadership positions.

Shawn Gorman, chairman of the board of L.L.Bean and great-grandson of Leon Leonwood Bean, said the company was deliberate in finding a leader.

Gorman went on to say they wanted a leader who would honor the brand’s heritage while positioning it for the next era of growth, citing Elder’s deep respect for the company’s history, strong results, and clear vision for the future.

WQCB Brewer Maine logo
Get our free mobile app

And there you have it! L.L.Bean has revealed it is promoting from within, naming Greg Elder as the company’s next President and CEO.

What are your thoughts on this announcement? We’d love to hear from you! Feel free to join the conversation by messaging us on the app.

Read More: New Report Reveals Maine’s Favorite Super Bowl Snack

The Most Visited Maine State Parks in 2025

Here are the 20 most visited Maine state parks and historic sites in 2025, according to the Maine Bureau of Parks and Land.

Note: Baxter State Park has private reservations and numbers. You will not see it on this public list.

Gallery Credit: Chris Sedenka

The 10 Most Popular Hikes in Maine's Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is one of the true gems, not just in Maine, but in America. It also has a wealth of wonderful hiking trails ready to be explored. Here are the 10 most popular, according to the hiking website All Trails in December of 2025.

61 Maine Restaurants That Closed in 2025

Gallery Credit: Sean McKenna

More From WQCB Brewer Maine