Billabong has appointed Ian Pollard as a director and Chairman Elect of its Board.
Pollard will join the committee on 24 October 2012 following the company’s annual general meeting and the retirement of board member Allan McDonald on the same day.
Pollard is an actuary, Rhodes Scholar and a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. He has held a wide range of senior business roles including as Chairman of Just Group Limited and of Corporate Express Australia Limited and as a Director of OPSM Group Limited and DCA Group Limited, which he founded.
Current chairman Ted Kunkel acknowledged Pollard’s appointment as one that will be most beneficial to the company.
“Ian will bring a strong mix of commercial and financial expertise to assist with the ongoing transformation of the Billabong business,” he said.
“His understanding of the retail environment along with a strong focus on financial management and performance will serve the company and shareholder interests well.”
Kunkel also announced this year his intention to retire from the Board after seven years in the role. However he will remain in his current role pending the outcome of the formal process to evaluate change of control proposals announced on Thursday, 6 September 2012 and, in the event Billabong continues as a publicly listed company, to ensure a smooth Board transition process.
Pollard said he is looking forward to working with the Board and CEO Launa Inman as the company continues to roll out its Transformation Strategy announced to the market on Monday, 27 August 2012.
“While the global economic environment remains challenging the inherent recognition and strength of Billabong’s key brands positions the company well,” he said.