Ariat Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Ariat has 4 executives leading key functions including strategy, regional operations, human capital, and global sales.

Driven by a commitment to equestrian performance, Ariat designs high-quality footwear and apparel for athletes who work outdoors. This organization prioritizes innovation and tradition to reshape the riding and working world.

Leadership Roles at Ariat

  • Chief Executive Officer - Liz O'Neill
  • Chief Executive Officer (Mexico) - Jose Aguirre Diaz
  • Chief People Officer - Michelle McGill
  • Chief Sales Officer - Rial Chew
  • Liz O'Neill - Chief Executive Officer

    Liz O'Neill, the Chief Executive Officer at Ariat, directs the overarching strategic vision for the brand. By focusing on technological innovation in footwear and apparel, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that products meet the rigorous demands of equestrian athletes. O'Neill oversees the integration of performance-driven design across all product lines, maintaining the company's reputation for quality. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to align market expansion with core values of community and outdoor excellence. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement, Liz O'Neill drives the company toward long-term growth and market leadership. The Chief Executive Officer manages the balance between traditional craftsmanship and modern manufacturing, ensuring that every boot and garment supports the physical needs of riders. Through this strategic oversight, O'Neill secures the competitive position of the brand within the global performance apparel industry.
    Liz O'Neill

    Jose Aguirre Diaz - Chief Executive Officer (Mexico)

    Jose Aguirre Diaz, the Chief Executive Officer (Mexico) at Ariat, manages all operational activities across the Latin American market. By tailoring the product portfolio to regional preferences, the Chief Executive Officer (Mexico) expands the reach of high-performance equestrian gear to new demographics. Diaz coordinates with local supply chain partners to ensure that the manufacturing standards remain consistent with global quality benchmarks. This leadership role requires deep insight into the specific needs of ranching and riding communities within the region. By optimizing distribution networks, Jose Aguirre Diaz increases market penetration and brand visibility. The Chief Executive Officer (Mexico) also monitors regional economic trends to adjust pricing and inventory strategies effectively. Through this focused regional management, Diaz strengthens the presence of the brand, ensuring that the commitment to quality and performance resonates with riders and outdoor workers throughout the entire Latin American territory.

    Michelle McGill - Chief People Officer

    Michelle McGill, the Chief People Officer at Ariat, architects the human capital strategy to support a workforce dedicated to equestrian excellence. By implementing talent acquisition programs, the Chief People Officer ensures that the company attracts individuals who share a passion for the outdoors and athletic performance. McGill oversees organizational development initiatives that foster a culture of balance, community, and family. This leadership role involves designing comprehensive training frameworks that align employee skills with the evolving technological requirements of the footwear industry. By managing internal communications and performance management systems, Michelle McGill drives employee engagement and retention. The Chief People Officer also collaborates with other C-suite leaders to ensure that the corporate structure supports the mission of serving riders and ranching professionals. Through these efforts, McGill maintains a high-performing team capable of delivering the quality products that define the brand's market impact.
    Michelle McGill

    Rial Chew - Chief Sales Officer

    Rial Chew, the Chief Sales Officer at Ariat, directs the global sales strategy to maximize revenue across all retail and wholesale channels. By analyzing market data, the Chief Sales Officer identifies key opportunities for expanding the footprint of performance boots and apparel. Chew manages relationships with major distributors and retail partners to ensure that the brand remains accessible to equestrian athletes and outdoor workers. This leadership role involves setting ambitious sales targets and monitoring performance metrics to ensure alignment with the company's growth objectives. By optimizing the sales funnel, Rial Chew directly impacts the financial stability and market reach of the organization. The Chief Sales Officer also coordinates with the product development teams to ensure that sales strategies reflect the latest innovations in footwear technology. Through this rigorous approach to market expansion, Chew secures the long-term commercial success of the brand in a competitive global landscape.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Ariat Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Ariat?
    Ariat is led by Liz O'Neill (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Jose Aguirre Diaz (Chief Executive Officer (Mexico)) and Michelle McGill (Chief People Officer).
    Who is part of Ariat’s executive team?
    The executive team of Ariat includes leaders such as Liz O'Neill (Chief Executive Officer), Jose Aguirre Diaz (Chief Executive Officer (Mexico)), Michelle McGill (Chief People Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Ariat have?
    Ariat has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Ariat’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Ariat includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer (Mexico), Chief People Officer, Chief Sales Officer.