Billabong Americas President Ed Leasure to retire

Billabong International has said that its President of the Americas, Ed Leasure, is retiring after 40 years in the action sports industry and nine years with Billabong. Leasure will formally step down from his role at the end of January 2016, but will remain a consultant and ambassador for the Group.

“On accepting the role as Billabong CEO in 2013, I asked Ed to take on the challenge of rebuilding our Americas team and operations after a period of significant organisational turmoil and he’s done a terrific job,” said Billabong CEO Neil Fiske, adding, “Widely respected and admired in the industry, he brought credibility and expertise to the Americas region at a critical time. His leadership has been pivotal in the resurgence of our brands and the strengthening of our position in the core market. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished under his direction and grateful to have had the opportunity to work so closely with him.”