In a big coup for Rip Curl, longtime CEO Michael Daly has been named Group CEO and Managing Director of publicly traded parent company Kathmandu Holdings.
The company’s namesake brand, Kathmandu, is large outdoor retailer headquartered in New Zealand. In addition to Rip Curl and Kathmandu, the company also owns outdoor footwear brand Oboz. Kathmandu acquired Rip Curl in 2019.
Former Kathmandu Group CEO Xavier Simonet had previously resigned to become CEO of the Australian Trade and Investment Commission.
Kathmandu Chairman David Kirk indicated the board liked Michael’s “relentless” focus on brand, product and people, and the bottom line.
“We are confident Michael will bring the same focus and energy to the wider group,” Kirk said in a statement.
Michael will step into the Group CEO role immediately. A search for his successor at Rip Curl is underway.
Michael is a friend of SES and we offer him a big congratulations.
