Firewire Surfboards and Slater Designs are excited to announce the appointment of Ben Hope as the new General Manager – Australia/New Zealand, based in Firewire’s Australian headquarters on the Gold Coast, effective May 6, 2024.
Ben joins Firewire and Slater Designs following nearly two decades at Billabong and the Boardriders group. His extensive background includes leading roles in wholesale sales, marketing, and direct-to-consumer functions. Most recently, Ben served as the Brand Lead, APAC & ME for Billabong Men’s, where he excelled in enhancing brand visibility and consumer engagement across critical markets.
Dylan Slater, CEO of Firewire Surfboards and Slater Designs, expressed his enthusiasm about Ben’s appointment, stating, “We are incredibly stoked to welcome Ben to this key leadership position within the organization. His deep experience in brand management and strengthening customer connectivity, coupled with his love for surfing make him the perfect fit to build the Firewire and Slater Designs brands in this important market for the future.”
Reflecting on his new role, Ben shared, “I couldn’t be happier joining such creditable brands in the industry I’m passionate about! This combined with the brand team that’s in place, both globally & regionally, is clearly geared for success and something I’m pumped to be part of.”
Ben’s appointment to General Manager – AUS/NZ occurs at an exciting juncture for the Firewire Surfboards and Slater Designs brands. After the recent globally successful launch of surfboard models the Great White Twin, S Boss, and Boss Up, as well as the rollout of Firewire Fleets’ premium surfboard rental program in over 40 specialty retail locations around the world, Ben’s proven track record and skillset will be instrumental in accelerating the brands’ momentum and market share expansion.
About Firewire Surfboards and Slater Designs:
Founded in 2006,Firewire Surfboards’ mission is to inspire and enhance the surfing experience through innovative, high quality surf products made with the least environmental impact. In 2016, eleven-time World Surfing Champion Kelly Slater launched his namesake Slater Designs brand, featuring a signature collection of surfboards and surf accessories made with a deep commitment to leadership in sustainability without sacrificing performance. Today, Firewire Surfboards and Slater Designs are distributed in more than 60 countries worldwide offering leading designs by some of the world’s most talented surfboard designers in addition to a range of premium surf accessories essential to the surfing experience.
