We spoke with Bob McKnight Friday about the departure of CEO Andy Mooney, some reasons behind the change and plans for the future.
Bob said the board of directors decided to make changes to the executive leadership to improve its ability to execute against the operating challenges that have been facing the company these past few months.
Andy brought a vision and strategic insight and the board decided to bring in a team who could focus on operational execution and teamwork.
“Our employees passion for the brands and company is key, and this wasn’t well utilized. We think that the changes to the team will harness this and be able to achieve better integrated execution, communication and team spirit,” said Bob, who is returning to the chairman’s role.
SES was not able to reach Andy Mooney for comment.
Bob said Andy made many big changes very quickly early on, moving from what had been regionalized structure since the brand’s inception to a globalized configuration. He reduced a lot of redundancies and moving parts in the company.
The changes were radical and fast, disrupting long embedded relationships, procedures and ways of working. In many cases this was necessary to move forward, but in some cases this had an adverse effect on intercompany communications and morale.
“Andy did lead us through some very tough restructuring decisions,” Bob said.
The longtime leader of Europe, Pierre Agnes, moves into the CEO role, and Greg Healy, who is head of the Asian Pacific region, becomes President of the company. Greg is relocating to Southern California, and will work to rebuild the North America market.
Pierre has built the most profitable region for the company in Europe, and will remain in charge of design and marketing and lookout for the company as a whole, while also formulating plans for the future. He is extremely passionate about the brands and what they stands for.
Pierre had also a great vision by developing the Boardriders retail concept, Bob said, which is unique connection between the action sports culture and shopping experience.
Bob said he is happy Greg Healy is moving to Huntington Beach, and that Greg will be keeping a close eye on the Americas operation in addition to being company President.
Healy, who was been with Quiksilver since 1998, is very well regarded internally and the Asia Pacific has been the best performing region of late, Bob said.
Both Pierre and Greg are team builders, and are known for rallying their various troops, Bob said.
In an interview with SES when he was named President in October, Pierre emphasized his main strategy: “For me, the message is – we need to elevate the brands, and the brands are going to save us.
“If our team believes in this and they wake up in the morning trying to elevate the brands in any sense – the product, marketing, sales, retail – it is the key for our success.”
Bob also noted in our conversation Friday that CFO Richard Shields, who will be leaving as well, will be helping new CFO Thomas Chambolle, Quiksilver Europe’s CFO, to settle into his new role as company CFO.
Bob said there have been no other changes or executive departures discussed.
