Billabong has announced the appointment of Launa Inman as the company’s new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, effective this week.

 

Ms Inman will replace outgoing CEO Derek O’Neill, who has resigned from the company after a 20-year long stint at the surfware giant.

 

Billabong Chairman Ted Kunkel said Ms Inman’s skills and depth of knowledge of the retail sector will be crucial to the company’s future growth.

 

“Launa has proven leadership capabilities in managing and delivering results in challenging environments and uncertain times.,” Mr Kunkel said.

 

Ms Inman has spent the last two months consulting with the company, which she describes as one of the most iconic Australian brands.

 

“We need to continue to drive our turnaround strategy, moving to a fully integrated operating model powered by the strength of our brands. The first priorities of the turnaround strategy will be to extract greater value from our retail network and strengthening supply chain management,” Ms Inman said.

 

Prior to her appointment at Billabong, Ms Inman was the Managing Director of Target for seven years, prior to which she was the Managing director of Officeworks.