Business news : Xterra Wetsuits Sold Back to Founder

Founder Keith Simmons and business partner Glynn Turquand are the new owners of Xterra Wetsuits. Liz Barlow has been appointed president and the business’ headquarters has been moved back to San Diego.

“It’s always exciting to be a part of a start-up, but it’s rare when you can take an established market leader in a category and rebuild the infrastructure with the enthusiasm of a new company,” said Turquand. “We’re glad to be returning to San Diego, and happy to have Liz at the helm.”

Barlow previously managed customer service, quality assurance, and showroom operations for Xterra Wetsuits. She has already assembled a team at its new headquarters and showroom. Effective April 1, 2013, the San Diego office will house all product design, sales, customer support, and operations.

Keith Simmons, an active triathlete, founded Xterra Wetsuits in 2001. In the ensuing years, he and his business partners built Xterra Wetsuits into the largest triathlon wetsuit brand in the world. Simmons and Turquand, one of the original partners, recently acquired 100 percent of the shares of the company and created a 50/50 partnership in Xterra Wetsuits.

“Glynn and I are going to continue the momentum that we built together several years ago,” said Simmons. “Moving operations back to San Diego is instrumental to our shared vision for Xterra WETSUITS' growth.”

( source Xterra through SportsOneSource )