Volcom has hired Dougall Walker to replace John Clapham as CEO of Australia. Walker comes with over a quarter of a century of industry experience starting with an 18 year stint at Billabong where he rose to the position of General Manager for Australia. After that he founded and worked with Firewire Surfboards. Walker said, “This is a fantastic opportunity to work with a global brand that has many years ahead of it to reach its true potential in this important market, and I cannot wait to get things rolling.” Read the full release on the appointment below.
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PRESS RELEASE:
COSTA MESA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Volcom, Inc. (NASDAQ: VLCM) today announced that Dougall Walker has joined the company as Chief Executive Officer of Volcom Australia. Walker succeeds John Clapham, who will return to his native New Zealand and focus his energies on that territory.
Walker, 51, brings to Volcom more than 25 years of experience in the action sports industry. Most recently, Walker was the co-founder and director of Australia-based Firewire Surfboards Limited, where he developed and helped implement key brand and operational strategies since 2005.
Prior to this, he spent 18 years with Billabong International, last serving as general manager of Australasia where he led a 300-person team in marketing, sales, product development, sourcing, and supply chain management in Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Indonesia, Singapore and the South Pacific. Previously he was president, Peak Wetsuits USA, based in Costa Mesa, CA. Walker began his career as an aspiring pro surfer.
“An industry veteran, Dougall is a great addition to the Volcom Australia team,” said Richard Woolcott, Volcom’s chairman and chief executive officer. “His passion and enthusiasm is very motivating, and we look forward to working with him as he leads our many growth initiatives in the region.
“Dougall assumes the role from John, who has done a good job building the brand, and has helped to set a solid foundation from which to move forward. John’s decision to return to New Zealand provides us with an opportunity to put his many talents to work as we also grow that territory.
“I have always admired the Volcom team, and share their passion for and commitment to unparalleled innovation and high quality,” said Walker. “This is a fantastic opportunity to work with a global brand that has many years ahead of it to reach its true potential in this important market, and I cannot wait to get things rolling.”
“Volcom has been my home for many years and I could not be happier to have the chance to now focus my energies on New Zealand and help build that market,” said Clapham. “I hand the torch over to capable hands in Australia and look forward to many more years with the global Volcom family.” Clapham, 42, has been with the Volcom team since the company brought the brand to Australia in 1993.
