Business people : Steris to Become CEO of Volcom; Woolcott Named Executive Chairman

Volcom, Inc. said that its co-founder Richard Woolcott will assume the newly created role of executive chairman while Jason Steris, currently the company's president, will be named the company's chief executive officer. These changes will be effective January 1, 2013.

"Jason has been an outstanding colleague, business partner and trusted friend for many years, and he has contributed immensely to the growth of our business from a small operation in Orange County, California, to a global brand," said Richard Woolcott. "I have absolutely every confidence he will continue to excel as he takes the reins as CEO and president to help steer the company to its next level of success.

"For me personally, I have greatly enjoyed helping to build such a dynamic company and I’m as passionate today about Volcom as ever before," continued Woolcott. "I believe we have created an enduring brand and have been successful largely by diversifying our business, regularly attacking new opportunities and always remaining true to our riding heritage. Now I want to devote more time and effort to working with the Volcom team from a creative and branding standpoint, and explore new ways to evolve the company that are unique and remain at the forefront of our industry."

"Wooly is an inspiration to many of us, and we will continue to benefit from his guiding enthusiasm as our brand ambassador and visionary," said Steris. "Creativity is a Volcom hallmark, and we have great talent within our global organization and long term partnerships that will enable us to continue to put forth exceptional products, events, art, music and film that will challenge convention and inspire today’s youth. It’s an exciting time for the company and I look forward to leading the global teams through this next chapter and beyond."

Woolcott, age 47, co-founded Volcom in 1991 and served as president and chief executive officer until 2008 when he became the company's chairman and CEO. He was chief brand steward during the company's steady national and international growth in the 90s and eventually took Volcom public in 2005. Twenty years after its inception, Volcom joined forces with The PPR Group in 2011.

Jason W. Steris, age 42, is a company veteran having joined Volcom in 1993 after eight years with action sports retailer Laguna Surf & Sport, serving in a variety of capacities. He started as Volcom's Southern California sales representative, became national sales manager, then chief operating officer, and in 2008 was named president.

Volcom is a modern global lifestyle brand founded on the principles of liberation, innovation and experimentation, expressed in premium quality clothing, footwear and accessories.

( SportsOneSource Media )