Billabong Americas President Ed Leasure to retire

Billabong International has said that its President of the Americas, Ed Leasure, is retiring after 40 years in the action sports industry and nine years with Billabong. Leasure will formally step down from his role at the end of January 2016, but will remain a consultant and ambassador for the Group.

“On accepting the role as Billabong CEO in 2013, I asked Ed to take on the challenge of rebuilding our Americas team and operations after a period of significant organisational turmoil and he’s done a terrific job,” said Billabong CEO Neil Fiske, adding, “Widely respected and admired in the industry, he brought credibility and expertise to the Americas region at a critical time. His leadership has been pivotal in the resurgence of our brands and the strengthening of our position in the core market. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished under his direction and grateful to have had the opportunity to work so closely with him.”

Leasure began making surfboards with his brother in their Cocoa Beach garage in Florida, before opening a chain of surf stores in 1979. He joined Billabong in 2008 following the acquisition of his Quiet Flight stores and has since held a range of senior roles within the Group. He was responsible for the opening of flagship stores for Billabong and Element in key US locations including New York, while running retail operations for the Americas and rebuilding relationships with the core wholesale channel in North America

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

Fiske said that transition planning had been in place for some time. He also announced a new leadership structure for the Group’s Americas operations. “Brand Billabong President Shannan North will now also head up the Americas retail operations. North has been based in the US for the last two years having previously headed the Group’s Asia-Pacific operations and run the company’s largest retail footprint. Responsibility for wholesale sales operations in North America will reside under their respective brand leaders (Billabong, Element, RVCA, Von Zipper, Sector 9, Xcel)."

"Jeremy Hale, Vice-President of International Development, will take responsibility for emerging markets and overseeing the US-based emerging brands. He will work closely with the respective brand leaders to drive growth, both in the Americas and internationally,” he added.