Business people : Billabong appoints Acting Europe General Manager

Jean-Louis Rodrigues (Billabong), Frédéric Basse (Rip Curl / EuroSIMA),
Franco Fogliato (Columbia sportswear Ex Billabong)
copyright Eurosima

Jean-Louis Rodrigues, Retail Director Europe, has been appointed Acting General Manager Europe.

Jean-Louis has extensive experience in the action sports industry, including senior roles at Reebok, Quiksilver and O’Neill where he was the General Manager for southern Europe. Since joining Billabong in 2008, Jean-Louis has managed Billabong's European retail business.

He takes on the role pending a review of the Company's leadership structure by newly appointed CEO Neil Fiske.

Mr Fiske, who this week met with Jean Louis and members of the wider European team in Hossegor, said; “Having spent time with him this week I have full confidence in the ability of Jean Louis and his leadership team to move the European business forward. He is a highly capable leader, well respected across the organisation and will bring an intense focus on customer service across a portfolio of great brands.”

Jean-Louis said; "I’m very excited and very honoured to lead the Group in Europe. I’m confident we will continue gaining market share within the actions sports market.”

Mr Fiske travelled to Europe after earlier holding meetings with brand head’s, senior executives and briefing the wider team at Billabong's Irvine offices in Southern California. Early next week he will be at Billabong's Gold Coast headquarters to undertake further meetings and team briefings.

"In my conversations with a range of people to date there has been a consistent theme of wanting to make positive change at pace," said Mr Fiske. "We will be moving with speed, across the business globally, to put in place specific plans to reinvest in and reenergise our brands."

By press release

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