Terry Strumpf, Billabong’s VP of Merchandising and Design and President of the Xcel brand, turned in his resignation Friday and has left the company.
He is the second senior executive in the U.S. to depart this week. Sr. Design Director Rob McCarty quit on Thursday.
Terry worked at Billabong USA for 15 years, and was one of the first 10 employees Paul Naude hired when he launched the U.S. division after Bob Hurley opted out of the license.
I reached Terry by cell, and he told me, “I wish everyone the best there. I love my team, and the employees. That was the hardest part – saying goodbye to over 100 employees globally.”
I asked him what is next, and if he is going to work for Paul Naude’s new brand.
“The next step is I’m going to spend the next 30 days surfing everyday, I am going to hang out with my girl, and with my friends and family. I am going to watch the sunset. Then I will get back out there.
“I have nothing lined up yet. Over the past few months, some headhunters have contacted me, and there are options out there. But I have made no decisions yet and that is the truth.
“Whatever is next, it’s going to be about the brand, the culture, the people and the job. The money will be last.”
