Vissla & D’Blanc Make Key Hires For European Business

Christine Arrondeau has been appointed Financial Controller of Stokehouse Europe, while Adrien Waller has been appointed Brand Manager D’Blanc and marketing coordinator for Vissla. Both Christine and Adrien have started in their roles at the company’s base in Hossegor, France, and they are reporting to Stokehouse Europe General Manager Francois Carette.

Vissla and D’Blanc were officially launched in late 2013, and we had a chance to catch up with Paul Naude about the new brands.

Derek O’Neill, President of Stokehouse Europe, said the new appointments follow strong demand from the core industry account base for the new Vissla and D’Blanc brands. “There is a strong appetite for new brands and we are now building our infrastructure to support this demand,” said Derek.

“Christine has had great experience in financial control and operations within the boardsports industry. She will be a great addition to our new team which is growing by the day. Adding youth with experience … that is what Stokehouse wants to introduce to refresh the industry.”

Christine Arrondeau has a high level of experience in finance and operations. She previously worked at Grind Distribution (Globe distributor for France) and then filled the same role at a European level when Globe International bought that company.

“I want to thank Derek for the chance he offers me to be part of this new adventure,” said Christine.
“I was already in the surf industry in the mid 1990s and throughout the 2000’s. I ‘ve seen the years of solid growth, the years where everything was possible … the years of fun, the years that bring our industry to a large audience in Europe. It is time now to repeat this history. We have everything to make it happen – an ‘A-team’ crew, fresh new brands that talk to surfers, great products, clear business policies and the surf everything, ride anything philosophy.”

Adrien Waller also has strong boardsport industry experience. He held various positions at VonZipper Europe since 2010, starting as a marketing coordinator for Europe, then taking an active role in product and sales management and ultimately working as Brand Manager for Europe over the past two years.

Women’s sunglasses by D’Blanc

“While only 31, Adrien has a lot of experience with action sports brands, having been a sales rep in the north of France with Hurley, and also in marketing at Insight Europe, apart from his role at VZ. It was great for us when he became available. He is a talented guy and I already see his knowledge of the eyewear market and energy that he brings to the role will be of great benefit to Stokehouse.”
Adrien Waller said he was excited by the future of the Stokehouse brands. “I’m really happy to join such a talented crew of people in this new adventure,” he said.

“Working with Derek, Francois Carete and the team is a real honor and a true learning experience. It’s the first time in the industry that two brands are launching globally at the same time and I’m so thrilled to be part of it. I can’t wait to grow with both Vissla and D’Blanc and bring fresh alternatives to today’s challenging market. We are starting small and humble but we are here to stay. We believe we can write a new chapter in our industry along with our retailers.”

By press release