Seven months after Kathmandu’s long-time group chief executive Xavier Simonet resigned, the outdoor fashion business has announced his replacement: RipCurl CEO Michael Daly.

Daly has led RipCurl for the last eight years, according to chairman David Kirk, who said the group is confident he will bring a relentless focus on brand, product, people and the bottom line, as he did at RipCurl.

Daly will start in the position immediately, and a search for his replacement at RipCurl is now underway.

“This is an exciting next step for me,” said Daly.

“The Group has a portfolio of outstanding brands in Kathmandu, RipCurl and Oboz and I am looking forward to leading three great teams as we work together to grow and develop the group.”

Simonet announced his departure in November, and will be heading up Austrade – the Australian Trade and Investment Commission.

“I have had an awesome time at Kathmandu Holdings, where I’ve spent the last five immensely exciting years,” Simonet said.

“The Group has great brands, passionate teams and strong values. I’m very grateful to our teams, to the board of directors, to our shareholders, and to my chairman, David Kirk, for their support.”