Rip curl biography of michael
Home / Athletes & Sports Figures / Rip curl biography of michael
He is set to be replaced by former Nike executive Brent Scrimshaw and is acting as interim CEO in the meantime.
Signing Steph Gilmore to an 8-year, $4 million deal earlier this year exemplified a strategic pivot to reinforce the brand’s core, reviving The Search—the longest-running campaign in surfing, originally crafted by Derek Hynd and the founders in the early ’90s.
Rip Curl’s other big swing in 2024 was sponsoring the Eddie Aikau Invitational — the most revered event in surfing, held quasi-annually at Waimea Bay.
This will be Rip Curl’s first time partnering on the event, which carries with it unparalleled history and prestige.
According to insiders, “Steph’s return to RC was intriguing given their female leadership. His experience and skills are rare in this part of the world. Michael will continue to act as CEO until Brent’s commencement.
This follows the previously announced promotion of Michael Daly from this role to Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Kathmandu Holdings Limited. “It’s hard to avoid the idea that it signifies a hell of a lot,” wrote renowned surf writer, Nick Carroll at the time.
Rip Curl suffered a PR misstep in 2024, centered around transgender surfers and losing marquee talent — most notably with the most followed (2.4 million on IG) and recognisable female surfer in the world, Bethany Hamilton.
As a director, Brent has consistently demonstrated a clear and perceptive understanding of the technical branded products markets worldwide.
We wish Michael all the best for the future.” Brent will continue as a Director of KMD Brands once he commences as Group CEO but from today, he will no longer be considered an independent Director.
Brent has a six month notice period in his current role and his start date at KMD Brands will depend on when he is able to be released.
Additionally, Rip Curl’s EBITDA saw a 24.5% drop, down to A$38.9 million (USD $24.6 million).
See more on: brooke farris, eddie aikau, Industry, industry news, Rip Curl
Rip Curl CEO Brooke Farris has resigned after three years leading the company. That changed in 2019, when it was acquired by KMD Brands, then known as Kathmandu Holdings, in a deal worth A$350 million (USD $236 million).
Like many companies in the industry, Rip Curl has faced post-pandemic challenges.
On the 16th August 2021, she was ushered in as Rip Curl’s CEO, making her the second woman in history to occupy the corner office of a heritage surf brand. According to KMD’s financial reports, for the fiscal year ending July 31, Rip Curl’s annual revenue fell 7.3% to A$499.7 million (USD $316.2 million) compared to the previous year. Brent returned to Australia in 2013 and has held a number of non-executive director roles, including positions at sports performance analytics leader, Catapult International, and action sports company, Fox Racing, in California, in addition to KMD Brands.
David Kirk, Chairman of KMD Brands, said: “The Board is delighted that Brent has agreed to be the next CEO of KMD Brands.
SES file photo.
“The Board thanks Michael Daly for his excellent service to KMD Brands over the last three and a half years and before that, 22 years with Rip Curl. Brooke leaves Rip Curl well positioned for its next phase. Photo: Rip Curl
Rip Curl CEO Brooke Farris has resigned from the company. The announcement came from parent company KMD brands, which has also experienced a recent leadership shakeup.
“After 14 years at Rip Curl, and over three of those in the CEO role, the time feels right for a break and new opportunities,” Farris said in a statement.
A former Junior Champ, ASP Women’s world tour manager, and board member of The Beachley Foundation, Surfing Australia and SurfAid, Brooke’s elevation to top of the org chart represented a symbolic shake of the tree for all the right reasons. Michael led the integration of Rip Curl into the Group and managed the business very well through the difficult COVID lockdowns and, more recently, weaker consumer discretionary spending.
“It was understood that she wouldn’t be marketed in any way like she had been in the past.”
Amidst shifts in the surf industry following the Boardriders sale and other sector challenges, numerous former executives from surf brands could be considered for the position of Rip Curl CEO. It will be intriguing to see if the company, along with the soon-to-arrive KMD Brands CEO, chooses to appoint someone with deep industry experience or pursue an external candidate.
Founded by Francois Payot, Brian Singer, and Doug “Claw” Warbrick, Rip Curl operated as a private, independently-run business for five decades.