After 35 years of dedicated service, José Farinha, a key figure at Rip Curl in Portugal, is retiring. José has been with the company since the very beginning, playing a crucial role in the growth of our Portuguese subsidiary and in the development of professional surfing in the country.
José Farinha Courtesy of Rip Curl
In the late eighties, José was instrumental in sponsoring the first-ever Rip Curl Pro in Peniche, an event on the European EPSA circuit at the time. His dedication and passion for surfing also led to the organization of the Rip Curl Pro Search in Peniche in 2009, a milestone event that paved the way for Peniche’s permanent inclusion on the World Tour calendar since 2010.
“José has not only been a cornerstone of Rip Curl Portugal but also a true embodiment of the spirit of our brand. His passion for surfing and unwavering dedication have left an indelible mark on both the company and the sport in Portugal. José’s leadership and vision helped bring Rip Curl Portugal to where are at now. We are incredibly grateful for his 35 years of service and wish him endless joy and success in his next adventure, both in and out of the water”, said Mathieu Lefin, President of KMD Brands Europe.
With José’s departure, we are excited to announce that Inigo Iraola will be stepping into the role of Iberia Sales Manager. Inigo’s experience and vision will be key in leading the next phase of Rip Curl’s journey in the Iberian Peninsula.
José Farinha will forever remain our number one ambassador in Portugal, and we wish him all the best as he continues his “Search” for perfect waves in this new chapter of his life.
