Boardriders announces new management following the disappearance of Pierre Agnès

By

Olivier Guyot

Published
Feb 6, 2018

It was only a few weeks ago that Boardriders revealed its project to acquire Billabong, among its biggest competitors in the surfwear industry. As the company's CEO, the plan was for Pierre Agnès to continue overseeing Boardriders' operations until the acquisition was completed. Dave Tanner, representing Oaktree Capital Management, a key stakeholder in both brands, would then take over as CEO of the new joint entity, while Pierre Agnès would focus on the European market. 

Pierre Agnès, however, was lost at sea on January 30 and a memorial ceremony will be held this Friday morning at a church in Capbreton. It is a tragedy that means that the company must now reconsider the organization of its management. In the meantime, Dave Tanner will step into the role of CEO earlier than expected. 

Thomas Chambolle, Global Chief Financial Director at Boardriders, will take on the responsibilities of interim President for Europe, the Middle-East and Africa (EMEA), while Greg Healy will continue as Global President and President of Asia-Pacific (APAC). This trio will now be tasked with leading the transition and acquisition of Billabong, which, according to a release published by the Huntington Beach, California-based company, is still slated for the end of the first quarter. 

"While it is impossible to replace Pierre's spirit, we have filled our team with talented and creative professionals who will continue to nurture the company's unique culture, build on our past successes, and deliver on our now even more meaningful collective mission," stated Dave Tanner, "I am humbled and honored to lead this storied and dynamic company into this next phase and will strive to uphold and foster the principles that have guided Quiksilver, Roxy and DC Shoes over many decades."

As the acquisition of Billabong is yet to be completed, the future of the brand's CEO Neil Fiscke has not been addressed.