We learned about a few more changes and updates in the Billabong executive ranks yesterday.
Merchant bids adieu to key confidant
Colette Paull, a long-time board member, one of the first Billabong employees, and a confident and friend to founder Gordon Merchant, was recently honored with a send-off gathering at the company’s Gold Coast headquarters.
Colette, who joined Billabong in 1973, held a wide range of roles at the company, and then joined the board in 2000 when Billabong went public.
Colette has been an integral part of Billabong from day one,” said founder Gordon Merchant.
“People went to her when they needed advice, a shoulder to cry on or to just let of steam. Colette has devoted her life to the welfare of the company and its people more than anyone will ever know, and she will always be part of this place.”
Colette said, “From delivering boardshorts we’d just handmade, in a broken down Kombi, with dodgy brakes, that could only started when you ran it down a hill, to being part of the Board of a global company, it’s been an amazing journey,” she said. “Over the last 40 years, like all companies, Billabong has faced both good and tough times. I step down from the Board confident that it has a bright future ahead.”
More founders commit to company
I also understand that in addition to Pat Tenore of RVCA, Johnny Schillereff of Element and Greg “GT” Tomlinson of Von Zipper have also committed to remaining with the company and are backing the turnaround strategy of new CEO Neil Fiske.
Michael Minter to Billabong
Lastly, Billabong has hired Michael Minter, formerly of Sanuk, as Global Director of Creative for the Billabong brand.
Minter, an early Sanuk employee, was the Global Creative Director at Sanuk until November.
