North Face Stock Slips on COO’s Resignation

North Face Inc. shares fell 13% on concern that the departure of its chief operating officer will cause disruption at the maker of outdoor clothing and gear, analysts said. North Face COO James Reilly, 44, resigned late last week after just five months on the job, the company said. It’s the latest in a series of management changes at the company, which in less than a year appointed a new chief executive, chief financial officer and chief operating officer. “The perception is that there is management turmoil. That said, I think the price reaction is overdone,” said analyst James Palczynski of Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. “It’s not anything to be overly concerned about. All the new people are very high quality.” North Face’s shares fell $1.94 to close at $12.50 on Nasdaq. North Face is in the process of moving its headquarters from San Leandro to Carbondale, Colo.