The founder of Skullcandy, Rick Alden, has made a surprise move this morning giving up his CEO role just before the companies US$125 million IPO. According to reports, the role is being taken up by the well qualified president of the company, Jeremy Andrus. The company is due to make a statement shortly.

(Via Boardistan and Transworld)

UPDATE: Here’s the official statement from Skullcandy:

PARK CITY, Utah, March 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Skullcandy, Inc. announced today the resignation of Founder and CEO Rick Alden, who has led the company since its inception in 2003.  As a major shareholder, Rick continues to support Skullcandy and will remain on the board of directors.  President and Chief Operating Officer Jeremy Andrus succeeds Rick as the new CEO.

“Rick developed his inspiration for Skullcandy on a chairlift in Park City and has worked tirelessly to create and establish the Skullcandy brand,” said Chairman of the Board, Jeff Kearl.  ”I support Rick’s decision and would like to thank him for his hard work and leadership.  Skullcandy has always looked at change as an opportunity, and this marks a new chapter for the company.”

Jeremy joined Skullcandy in 2005 and has served as its President and Chief Operating Officer since June 2008.  Prior to joining the company, he was a strategic planner for Kimpton Hotel & Restaurant Group, developed hotel properties for Marriott and worked as a consultant for Monitor Company.  Jeremy holds a B.A. from Brigham Young University and an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School.

Jeremy Andrus said, “I am honored to have the opportunity to build upon what Rick has created.  Skullcandy has been an amazing six-year journey, and I look forward to continuing the voyage in my new role as CEO.”

Rick Alden said, “Jeremy has been the greatest partner an entrepreneur could hope for to assist building a concept into the company that Skullcandy has become.  I expect he will be fantastic in his new role as CEO.”