Hurley: Bob Hurley steps down as CEO

By

Olivier Guyot

Published
Oct 7, 2015

Bob Hurley is no longer at the head of Hurley. Nike, owner of the brand since 2002, announced that the Californian surfing brand's founder, now 60, is handing over the reins. Hurley, who started out as surfboard shaper at the age of 21, will, however, remain within the brand.

He will be in charge of relations with the world surfing community, of which he's been a part for more than 40 years. Bob Hurley imported Billabong in the US and expanded the brand from 1983. Fifteen years later, he left the Australian group to launch his own brand, making it a major player in the board sports industry.

His departure could be a sign of major changes within the brand. For a few months now, Hurley's e-commerce operations have been integrated within Nike's US website, while its European version was closed down. Its financial results too have been integrated within Nike's Action Sports operations (which generated revenues for $736 million in the last fiscal year).

Bob Coombes was appointed Hurley's General Manager and Vice-President in August. From 2013 he was Nike's Vice-President and General Manager for India. In the past he filled in the role of Nike General Manager for the US West Coast, and for the North American Soccer division. He reports to Jayme Martin, the Nike Group Vice-President, who heads the brand's Global Categories.

Bob Hurley's son Ryan remains for the time being as Hurley's Creative Director.