Boardriders, Inc. Announces Appointment of Global Chief Operating Officer
Boardriders, Inc., the leading global action sports and lifestyle company that designs, produces, and distributes branded apparel, footwear, and accessories under the Quiksilver, Billabong, ROXY, DC Shoes, RVCA, Element, and VonZipper brands, announced the appointment of Ms. Deborah Palmer Keiser as Global Chief Operating Officer.
Deborah Palmer Keiser
Ms. Keiser brings to Boardriders an extensive global operational experience from a career working with iconic brands like Victoria’s Secret, Williams Sonoma, Gap, All Saints, Sundance, and Yeezy. While Ms. Keiser was with Williams Sonoma, she resided in France and Singapore, establishing a global footprint for the brands. Prior to accepting the role with Boardriders, Ms. Keiser was leading Timbuk2, an outdoor travel bag company, as their President.
Ms. Keiser will oversee Boardriders’ end-to-end global planning and sourcing, and logistics and distribution. As part of her role, Ms. Keiser will focus on Boardriders’ continued drive to improve its distribution and logistics efficiency, as well as the company’s global supply chain transformation, with an emphasis on streamlining the company’s speed to market program.
Ms. Keiser stated, “I’m excited to join the Boardriders team and support the operational goals of the company at this pivotal stage of the company’s growth. The COVID-19 pandemic has created a difficult environment for many business operations, but demand for outdoor lifestyle products remains incredibly strong. I am confident the Boardriders brands, with their rich history and reputation for high-end performance products, will continue to thrive.”
Ms. Keiser will commence work in mid-December 2021. She will be based in the company’s global headquarters in Huntington Beach, California, where she will join the Boardriders’ executive leadership team and work closely with CEO Mr. Arne Arens and his team.
Mr. Arens welcomed Ms Keiser stating, “Ms. Keiser has successfully led all aspects of business operational improvement, including transformation and day to day execution, and we are looking forward to benefiting from her expertise during this important time for Boardriders.”
Ms. Keiser will take over the operational role from Mr. Colin Smith, a partner and team leader at Oaktree Capital, who has been acting as interim COO the past several months. Mr. Smith will support Ms. Keiser to ensure a seamless transition.
About Boardriders, Inc.:
Boardriders, Inc. is a leading action sports and lifestyle company that designs, produces, and distributes branded apparel, footwear, and accessories for board riders around the world. The company’s apparel and footwear brands represent a casual lifestyle for young-minded people who are inspired by a passion for outdoor action sports. The company’s Quiksilver, Billabong, ROXY, DC Shoes, RVCA, and Element brands have authentic roots and heritage in surf, snow and skate. The company’s products are sold in more than 110 countries in a wide range of distribution, including surf shops, skate shops, snow shops, its proprietary Boardriders’ shops and other company owned retail stores, other specialty stores, select department stores and through various e-commerce channels. For additional information, please visit our brand websites at www.boardriders.com; www.quiksilver.com, www.billabong.com, www.roxy.com, www.dcshoes.com, www.rvca.com, www.elementbrand.com, www.vonzipper.com.
