IPD Welcomes Chris Kypriotis as Partner and Future CEO
IPD International is thrilled to announce the appointment of Chris Kypriotis as a Partner in the company, with the exciting transition to CEO set for 2025. Chris brings a wealth of experience and an unparalleled track record in the action sports and surf industry, having shaped the success of some of the world’s most iconic brands over the past 30+ years. His illustrious career includes leadership roles as Global Vice President at Nike Inc., President of Nike Brazil, Global Vice President at Billabong International Group, and COO/President of Rusty Surfboards, as well as influential positions at Stussy and Mossimo.
Chris Kypriotis Courtesy of IPD
Chris Kypriotis is renowned for his exceptional expertise in global markets, distribution, product merchandising, retail, and strategic growth. Under his visionary leadership, Nike Brazil achieved unprecedented revenue and EBIT, establishing itself as Nike Inc.’s third-largest market globally. Before his success at Nike, Chris served as Global Vice President and President of LATAM at Billabong International Group, where he transformed LATAM into the Group’s fastest-growing geography, delivering record-breaking growth and solidifying the region’s market leadership throughout his tenure. He also played a pivotal role in the acquisition and integration of Element Skateboards, RVCA, DaKine, and Nixon into the Billabong portfolio.
At Rusty Surfboards, Chris’s leadership as President of the European division catapulted the brand to prominence across the continent, making Rusty a leading name in the industry. As a founding member of EuroSima, Chris served two terms as Vice President and continues to hold a lifetime Chairmanship alongside industry legends like Derek O’Neill (former CEO, Billabong International Group), Francois Payot (co-founder and former CEO, Rip Curl), and Bernard Mariette (former CEO, Quiksilver). His influence extends to serving on the Board of the ISPO Tradeshow, the world’s largest sports trade show.
Chris Kypriotis’s addition to IPD marks a monumental moment for the brand as it continues its aggressive expansion across North America, cementing its status as a core emerging brand.
“We are beyond excited to welcome Chris to the IPD family,” said Erik Ingersoll, IPD Co-Founder. “With his extensive leadership experience at Billabong, Nike, and Rusty, Chris brings an extraordinary perspective on the industry. His proven ability to navigate complex global markets and drive innovative brand and product strategies is unmatched. His deep understanding of the retail landscape and consumer behavior across diverse markets will be instrumental in guiding IPD’s strategic direction and ensuring our growth is both robust and sustainable.”
In his new role, Chris will spearhead IPD’s strategic initiatives, overseeing all facets of the business, from product development and global distribution to market expansion. He will work closely with the existing leadership team to elevate brand awareness and strengthen IPD’s position in the highly competitive retail landscape.
About IPD International
IPD International, based in Costa Mesa, CA, is a globally recognized emerging brand in the surf and action sports industry, known for its unwavering commitment to building high quality products that seamlessly blend style and functionality. IPD is more than just a brand – it’s a movement. With a deep passion for reigniting the authentic culture of surf and youth lifestyle, IPD embodies the values of progression, inclusion and authenticity. www.ipdsurf.com
