Billabong Women's Global GM to step down next month

By

Cassidy Mantor

Published
Apr 19, 2017

The GM of Billabong's Women's business, Susan Branch, has announced she will be stepping down.

The announcement is made in anticipation of her May, 2017 exit from the company and the role.

Branch joined Billabong in January 2014. She is an industry veteran with a history of getting struggling brands back on their feet. She came to Billabong from the also struggling Quiksilver and Roxy brands.

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While at Billabong she explained her goals for strengthening the brand and regaining market share. She focused on a merchant-led business for women. "Building corporate line plans, proper architecture. Focusing on the categories where we really think we can win as a brand, swim being a good example," Branch explained. "And then just stepping on the gas."

Whether she herself ran out of gas, Branch cited wanting to spend more time with her family and young grandchildren as her reason for leaving.

Her Global GM position with Billabong was one specially created for her 3 years ago.

As Branch exits, Billabong's Women's business will experience a restructure with key leaders reporting to Global President Shannan North. Katie Singer will be promoted to Global VP of Merchandising & Design, where she will oversee the brand's Design & Concept team. Cathey Curtis, Billabong's Global Women’s VP of Marketing will also report to North once Branch leaves.