Richard Sanders, the top sales executive for the Billabong brand in the Americas, has left the company after 25 years, Billabong and Richard confirmed to SES Tuesday.
Richard’s departure means the organization’s former sales leadership for the Billabong brand – Women’s Sales Manager Angi Brogerg, Men’s Sales Manager Jeff Booth and Richard, the VP of Sales, are gone.
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Billabong still has several long time, top performing sales reps across the country in place.
The company wanted to keep Richard, who has deep relationships with important accounts and is well regarded.
Several key retailers have told me they have been worried that Richard may leave the organization after so many personnel changes at the company.
Billabong is one of the largest brands retailers carry, and when all the Billabong-owned brands are factored in, some retailers are on edge about what will happen next.
Billabong spokesman Chris Fogarty said Billabong is working quickly to appoint new executives and stabilize teams around the world.
“Richard made a great contribution to that role and we wish him well,” Chris said. “After meeting with the teams in Irvine, Hossegor and the Gold Coast over the last week, newly appointed CEO Neil Fiske will be back in the U.S. in the coming days where his focus will be on building the organization, going on the offense and bringing in the additional talent that will help us grow the business.”
I exchanged text messages with Richard yesterday, and he said he does not have his next job lined up yet.
“Billabong has been my life and it has been an amazing run,” he said. “I value most the amazing specialty retailers in the industry and appreciate their support through the years. I do believe that the new ownership will be positive for Billabong and they will continue to be a great company.”
