Billabong’s US president to retire

BillabongEd Leasure, president of Billabong’s American arm is retiring after 40 years in the action sports industry and nine years with Billabong, signalling a leadership restructure at the surf retailer.

Leasure will formally step down from his role at the end of January 2016, remaining a consultant and ambassador for the company. A restructure will see key changes made to implement a new leadership configuration for the Americas operations.

Brand Billabong president, Shannan North, will now also oversee the Americas retail operations, having previously headed up the Asia-Pacific operations.

Jeremy Hale, VP of international development, will assume responsibility for emerging markets and overseeing emerging US-based brands. Responsibility for wholesale sales operations in North America will reside under each brand leader. These include Billabong, Element, RVCA, Von Zipper, Sector 9 and Xcel.

“These changes reflect our orientation toward a strong brand leadership model, supported by global operating platforms, and staying very close to our customers in each local market,” said Billabong CEO, Neil Fiske.

Fiske highlighted a number of major accomplishments from Leasure’s time at the company, including the opening of flagship stores for Billabong and Element in key US locations in conjunction with reinvigorating the sales organisation. “His leadership has been pivotal in the resurgence of our brands and strengthening of our position in the core market.”

“After getting into the business to surf more, I’m now stepping back from the business to surf more,” said Leasure.

“Billabong is in good hands and we now have the best team on the field. Knowing this has made my decision a little easier, and I feel very fortunate to have been part of such a great organisation.”

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