L.L. Bean Names President and CEO

L.L. Bean Inc. named Christopher McCormick president and chief executive, replacing Leon Gorman, grandson of the company’s founder, who will remain chairman. The closely held catalog retailer, known for its sturdy outdoor gear, said McCormick will assume his role immediately.

McCormick, 45, joined L.L. Bean in 1983 and was most recently chief operating officer. He helped L.L. Bean expand in international markets and guided the Freeport, Maine-based company as it developed a Web site for selling goods. As chairman, Gorman, 66, plans to focus on corporate planning and business strategy. L.L. Bean has more than 50 catalogs worldwide and has $1.1 billion in annual sales.