Billabong announced a key new appointment this afternoon, naming former Roxy Americas President Susan Branch as Global General Manager Billabong Womens.
Susan left Quiksilver in 2013 after her job responsibilities were narrowed during the restructuring that took place under new CEO Andy Mooney. Current and former executives at Quiksilver who worked with her for years speak highly of her, and under her leadership Roxy turned around its business.
New Billabong CEO Neil Fiske has said the company going forward will focus the most resources on its biggest brands, and will beef up the senior leadership team as a result.
Susan will report to a Global President for the Billabong brand. That is also a newly created position and the person who will be filling that role has not been announced.
Billabong also said that acting Americas and Europe Presidents, Ed Leasure and Jean-Louis Rodriques, have been appointed to those positions permanently.
Here is the official press release:
Susan Branch appointed Billabong Womens Global GM
6th January 2014 WST
One of the action sports industry’s most accomplished senior executives has been appointed as Global General Manager Billabong Womens.
Susan Branch, who has over 20 years of experience managing global apparel and footwear businesses along with growing and revitalising brands, will take up the newly created role in January 2014.
“Consistent with the strategic direction laid out at our recent Annual General Meeting, we’re focusing on our big brands,” said Billabong CEO Neil Fiske. “We see tremendous growth opportunity for Billabong Womens which is why we’ve specifically created this role to give it a dedicated focus. Susan is the ideal person to take on the role and we’re delighted someone with her level of experience and talent is joining Billabong.”
Ms. Branch has held numerous senior roles in the industry including, most recently, Senior Vice-President & Global Head of Product for Roxy/Quiksilver and President & GM of the America’s Region for Roxy from 2010 to 2013. Managing businesses in a multi-channel environment with revenues in excess of $500 million, She has extensive experience in product design, merchandising, marketing and sales.
Her role at Billabong will see her responsible for guiding the womens business on a global basis and working closely with teams in each region.
“I’m joining Billabong at an exciting time as it undertakes its turnaround strategy,” said Ms. Branch. “This is a fantastic brand and I can’t wait to begin working with the team as we reenergise and grow Billabong Womens globally.”
Mr Fiske said Susan would report to a newly created position of Global President, Brand Billabong. He added Ed Leasure and Jean-Louis Rodrigues have been formally appointed as heads of the America’s and Europe respectively.
