Billabong vet to lead Electric Europe

Editor’s note: Click here to read an in-depth story about Electric’s new stratgey under the tutelage of PPR.

Press Release:

ELECTRIC APPOINTS MANAGING DIRECTOR OF EUROPE, ARAB EMIRATES AND AFRICA

SAN CLEMENTE, CA – Electric announced today that Reid Pinder has joined the company as Managing Director of Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Reid Pinder, former professional surfer and Australian champion, brings to Electric more than 21 years of experience in the action sports industry.

“Reid is a great addition to the Electric team,” said Bruce Beach, Electric Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer. “His experience and passion will help elevate our brand presence in Europe while continuing to support our global vision. Reid has joined Electric at a very exciting time, and we are looking forward to utilizing his expertise and enthusiasm.”

ABOUT REID PINDER

Reid was with Billabong Europe since its inception in 1992 as Brand Manager, where he was responsible for all aspects of the brand at both a European and International level as well as his role as General Manager of the Billabong Network Surf Division which included wetsuits, surfboards and surf hardware. Reid was a director and founding member of EuroSIMA (Surf Industry Manufacturers Association).

ABOUT ELECTRIC

Electric is a global, premium, sport and lifestyle accessory brand rooted in Southern California’s rich action sports, music, art and customization culture. Electric’s unrelenting approach to the elevation of style, quality and function in its products has earned the brand a renowned position. Today, Electric designs and markets an extensive line of sunglasses, snow goggles, backpacks, luggage and accessories through a primarily action sport and sporting good global retail network including the America, Europe, Japan, China and Australia. SInce 2011 Electric has been a part of PPR, a world leading Luxury and Sport & Lifestyle group. For more information go to: www.electricvisual.com

ABOUT PPR

The PPR Group empowers a coherent ensemble of Luxury and Sport & Lifestyle premium brands, specializing in apparel and accessories, to reach their full growth potential. Distributed in more than 120 countries, PPR generated revenues of $12.2 billion in 2011 and had over 47,000 employees at year end. The PPR share is listed on Euronext Paris (FR0000121485, PRTP.PA, PPFP). Find out more on Gucci, Bottega Veneta, Saint Laurent, Alexander McQueen, McQ, Balenciaga, Brioni, Stella McCartney, Christopher Kane, Sergio Rossi, Boucheron, Girard-Perregaux, JeanRichard, Qeelin, Puma, Volcom, Cobra, Electric, Tretorn and Fnac at: www.ppr.com