Boardriders EMEA head to exit

Thomas Chambolle will not be taking part in the Quiksilver-Billabong merger. While the world's two biggest surf brands, both owned by Boardriders since last year, plan to merge their European teams in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, France, before the end of the year, the EMEA president is exiting the group. Chambolle's departure was announced internally this week, according to information obtained by FashionNetwork.com.

Chambolle took over as EMEA head after the tragic disappearance of Quiksilver CEO Pierre Agnès, whose team Chambolle had joined in 2013 as CFO of Quiksilver Europe.

Boardriders CEO Dave Tanner has entrusted Boardriders APAC president Greg Healy with the EMEA responsibilities, sources told FashionNetwork.com.

The two surf giants, which have both struggled over recent years and undergone heavy restructuring in order to keep up with strong competition, are currently undergoing a merger.
Some 170 staff from Billabong, Rvca and Element will join the Boardriders headquarters in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, according to the plan announced at the beginning of the year and put to French competition authority Direccte.

Not much has been revealed about the strategies and positioning of the various brands, nor is it certain that the changes in regional management will clarify the path forward for the group during this crucial transition phase.

Boardriders EMEA head to exit

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