Rip Curl Names First Female CEO in its 50-Year History

This comes as its previous Chief Executive, Michael Daly, was named the Kathmandu Holdings’ CEO, after eight years in the role.

Brooke Farris has worked with Rip Curl for more than a decade, in various roles such as ANZ Marketing Manager, General Manager of Digital and General Manager of Women’s.

“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,” said Michael Daly on the decision.

“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.”

Farris is the first female CEO for the surf retailer since its inception in 1969. Farris began her role with Rip Curl in 2010, where she has encompassed a range of roles within the brand. “From running Rip Curl surf events around the world, executing marketing strategy across retail, wholesale, social media, team, and events as the ANZ Marketing Manager, to leading strong sales growth online as the GM of Digital and forming a key part of Rip Curl’s global executive team,” shared Daly.

Of the appointment, Farris expressed her excitement and motivation to grow the 52-year old brand. “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.

Rip Curl’s online figures have been trading well, the retailer shared in June, with key areas in North American and Europe. As the Northern Hemisphere is currently coming towards the end of summer, D2C sales remain ‘well above’ expected levels.

Despite the online success, Kathmandu Holdings forecast a cut in its profits, estimating them to be lower than the $930 million predicted for FY21. “COVID-19 continues to be a disrupting factor, in particular for Australasia during the key trading period for Kathmandu,” shared Daly in June.

“Excluding these impacts, Kathmandu had a solid start to the winter season, and Rip Curl sales momentum continues. Trading conditions in the Northern Hemisphere for both Rip Curl and Oboz are particularly strong across our online, retail and wholesale channels, as our Group benefits from a diversified mix of channel and geographies.”

Farris will begin her new role as CEO on August 16th 2021.

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