Globe International Ltd. said Harry Hodge is now leading its board as chair in news effective immediately as of Friday in Australia.

Hodge also takes a non-executive director role, replacing William Crothers.

Crothers’ resignation, which was effective immediately, ends a three-year run as chair.

“We would like to thank Mr. William Crothers on behalf of the board, management, and the shareholders,” Globe Directors Peter Hill and Stephen Hill and CEO Matt Hill said in a joint statement. “During the COVID pandemic, being one of the most unprecedented times in our recent history, William successfully led Globe and guided the company to achieve explosive revenue growth and the solidification of core brands as foundations for global growth in the years to come. We are extremely grateful to William for his leadership, contribution, and support to Globe during his tenure.”

Hodge is founder of the Quiksilver Europe business, which merged with the U.S. operations in 1991. He went on to serve as executive director of Quiksilver Inc. for nearly a decade during a time when the company was publicly traded as it expanded globally and acquired other businesses.

He also served as executive chairman of Quiksilver’s Asia-Pacific business after it was bought by Quiksilver Inc. in 2003.

Hodge started his own consulting firm, Hodge Consulting Group in 2016, with a focus on youth culture, fashion, footwear, and sports.

He served as a non-executive director on the board of SurfStitch in 2016 at a time when the company tried to turnaround the business.

Hodge’s past experiences in corporate governance, risk management, and mergers and acquisitions were cited in the announcement of his appointment.

“We are delighted to welcome Harry Hodge to the board and look forward to working with him,” the joint statement from the directors and CEO said. “We are excited by Harry’s industry experience and the value this will bring to Globe.”

Globe’s most recent financial results, for the six months through December 31, reflected the challenges in the hardgoods market coupled with the macroeconomic environment.

Net sales for Globe during the six-month period were AUD$120.5 million ($82.7 million), down 16% from the prior-year period. The company reported a net loss of AUD$200,000 ($137,313), after recording a net profit of AUD$12.5 million ($8.6 million) in the year-ago period.

Despite the results, the company forecast improved profitability in the second half of its fiscal year, calling the challenges “short-term.” Additionally, brands such as Salty Crew and FXD were called out for being either stable or growing during the first six months of the year.

Kari Hamanaka can be reached at [email protected]. 

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