• Brooke Farris - Rip Curl CEO
    Brooke Farris - Rip Curl CEO
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Kathmandu Holdings has appointed a new CEO for Rip Curl, promoting long-serving executive Brooke Farris to the role. 

Farris takes the reins after former Rip Curl CEO Michael Daly was appointed to Group CEO and MD of Kathmandu Holdings, following Xavier Simonet's departure. 

Farris moves up to CEO after serving more than 10 years at the surfwear brand, in a range of roles including marketing manager, GM of digital and her current role, GM of women's. 

Speaking on Farris' appointment, Daly said she was the ideal candidate for the role. 

"After a thorough search process, involving both internal and external potential candidates, I am delighted to announce that Brooke Farris will be the new CEO of Rip Curl.

"Brooke has contributed greatly to Rip Curl’s success and growth over the past 11 years with her indisputable commitment to the brand, our product, and our crew.

"I am confident she will bring this same commitment and leadership in her new role. Congratulations Brooke," he said. 

Farris takes up the position as Rip Curl experiences solid growth, with a June trading update revealing that the brand is sustaining sales despite the challenges of the pandemic. 

Kathmandu Holdings reported that Rip Curl's wholesale channel was proving to be a strong performer for the brand, with FY22 wholesale orders for Rip Curl showing double-digit growth over FY19. 

Additionally, Rip Curl's direct to consumer sales in Europe and North America were staying above pre-COVID levels. 

Farris said that she was proud to take up the role. 

"Rip Curl has been threaded throughout my life since I was a teen.

"I’m honoured to be announced as the new CEO.

"It’s an absolute privilege to lead our talented and passionate crew across the world and I’m motivated to build on our esteemed 52-year history and capitalise on our continued market success," she said. 

Farris will assume the role of CEO on August 16 2021. 

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