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  Wilco Prins. Photo courtesy of Rip Curl.

Rip Curl veteran Wilco Prins is the new CEO for Europe, Rip Curl said today.

 

He is replacing Olivier Cantet, who also served previously as Group CEO in addition to leading Rip Curl’s operation in Europe.

 

Wilco has worked at Rip Curl for 13 years in marketing, as footwear and wetsuits product manager, and most recently was in charge of core sales strategy and product development for wetsuits, bags, surfboards, watches and eyewear.

 

Rip Curl Founder Brian Singer has taken on the role of Global CEO.

 

Here is the official press release:

 

Wilco Prins appointed new CEO of Rip Curl Europe

 

Brian Singer, Group CEO and Rip Curl Founder, is happy to announce the appointment of Wilco Prins at the head of Rip Curl Europe. He will be replacing Olivier Cantet, who has been with Rip Curl for 10 years (for the last 4 years in the joint roles of Rip Curl Group CEO and CEO of Rip Curl Europe) and who announced a few weeks back his decision to move on to new challenges.

 

“I am pleased to announce that we have decided on the handover of Rip Curl Europe’s management to a new generation” Brian Singer announces. “In this regard, Wilco Prins has been appointed CEO and President of Rip Curl Europe.

 

Wilco Prins, 36 years old, has been in the company for 13 years. In his early career, he fulfilled positions in marketing and as Footwear and Wetsuits product manager, before taking the direction of the very successful Core Division covering the core sales strategy and the product development for Wetsuits, Bags, Surfboards, Watches and Eyewear.

 

“It is a great thing to know that the team in Europe will have the full support and the confidence from the Founders and Board members of Rip Curl. It will be our mission to keep our feet in the sand, to make sure that we sell the right product in the right store and that we will give an excellent service to both our customers and our retail customers. It is a great challenge and I am very proud to know that I can count on a passionate and talented crew to work with. Rip Curl is made by surfers for surfers and it develops great innovative and creative products, of which the best wetsuits in the world, endorsed by some of the best surfers in the world”. Wilco Prins explains.

 

Wilco’s appointment will take effect from 15 April 2013. He will be assisted in his new role by Yann Tschumi (who has been promoted to Vice President, Sales) and Mathieu Lefin (who will assume the new position of Vice President, Finance and Operations).

 

About Rip Curl:

 

Rip Curl is the world’s ultimate surfing company, focused on designing and manufacturing innovative products that help surfers perform better while living the Search. Born in the cold water waves of Bells Beach, Australia, Rip Curl is now recognized and respected by people all over the world. The Search is the driving force behind the brand’s progress and vision. When Crew is chasing uncharted reefs or untracked powder, Rip Curl will arm them with the best equipment they’ll need.