Press Release From Billabong
Action Sports executive David Brooks has been appointed global head of skate brand Element.
Mr. Brooks joins Element as Global General Manager after a career working with leading brands, properties and athletes in action sports, such as 411, Dew Tour, Ethika, ESPN X-Games, Grizzly Griptape, Ken Block, Red Bull, Ryan Sheckler, Stance, Torey Pudwill and Under Armour on brand development and strategy, content creation, marketing and social media.
“David has an extensive background in sports marketing in the action sports sector – with deep experience in content creation, athlete marketing, and digital activation. He is also very connected throughout the skate community,” said Billabong Group CEO Neil Fiske.
“Element has always been at its best when the brand is closely integrated with content and new forms of media. It already has one of the best skate teams in the industry and a big, rapidly growing, social media following. David will help us better capitalize on our brand assets and convert followership into sales,” said Mr. Fiske.
Mr. Brooks joins Element from Wasserman Media Group, a full-service agency, where he was Senior Vice-President, Action Sports and Olympic.
Prior to this, he was Chief Operating Officer of 411 Productions, which was the leading action sports content production, marketing and distribution company.
“One of the first people I worked with at 411 was Element founder Johnny Schillereff,” said Mr. Brooks. “So I am excited and honored to be working again with one of the top iconic brands and founders in skateboarding. Johnny’s leadership and vision has endured the test of time, and what has always attracted me to Element, is the unique, positive message that it brings to skate culture. I believe the company has an amazing opportunity to amplify this vision and to continue to inspire globally. I look forward to this new chapter and working with Johnny, Neil, the Element family and the best team in skateboarding.”
Mr. Brooks will focus on demand creation through marketing, merchandising, distribution, and business development for Element globally.
With more than 20 years of action sports and wider brand experience, he brings highly relevant expertise on go-to-market strategies across all facets of enterprise including operations, product development and sourcing, marketing, sales fulfillment and ecommerce.
Mr. Brooks will join the Element team in early March.
About Element:
In 1992 the Element seed was planted. Our goal was simple, to be the best we could be in the most honest and ethical way possible. We joined together to elevate what we all truly believe in. Today we continue to create the art, direction and message on the constant path to bring progress to skateboarding. We are more than a business; we are a family, all on the same journey for the growth within ourselves, Element and all that surrounds us.
