With his tenure at Billabong drawing to a close; Paul Burdekin, GM Asia Pacific, tendered his resignation from the SBIA Board at last month’s Board Meeting. “PB has given 3 years to SBIA and even more to our industry, his contribution and work behind the scenes is something few would know and understand” commented SBIA President Anthony Wilson “on a personal note, I’m sad to see Paul go, he’s a good guy who loves our industry”.
Under the SBIA Constitution, member businesses nominate a representative for voting and representation purposes. Damian Campbell’s recent move from Oakley/Luxottica to Boardriders has triggered another resignation from the SBIA Board. The restructure of the Boardriders business and Damian’s newly created role as “Head of Sales” has seen Jo Branch step aside as the nominated representative for Boardriders.
“I have loved being a part of this association as a board member, I have relished in learning from wonderful people and helping support a strong and healthy industry which I am so passionate about.” Jo reflected.
“I’ve really enjoyed working with Joey” said Anthony Wilson “it’s a bummer things have panned out the way they have, but I’m stoked she will still be heavily involved in the various Sub Committees”
On last week’s Board conference call, we reflected on the the success of the various Sub Committees and the Board voted to add an Advisory Board made up of the CEO’s of the various Brand Members. The Advisory Board will meet in conjunction with the Awards night and March Roundtable events and will provide a direct conduit into the SBIA.
In conjunction with the creation of the Advisory Board, the Board voted to reduce the size of the Board proper from 8 to 6. With the reduction of the board to 3 x Retailer Representatives and 3 x Brand Representatives this will allow the Board to be more nimble and cost effective. In what can only be described as a selfless act, Glenn Callegari (Hillzeez) resigned as a retailer representative to facilitate the reduction of the Board.
“I agree an optimal board number is 6 rather than 8, there is a good balance of retail on the Board and I feel very comfortable the issues of retail are objectively presented well” commented Glenn “I’m grateful for the window of opportunity to be part of the SBIA board, I still plan to contribute as an active retail member and look forward engaging in all things SBIA”.
Glenn Callegari, Hillzeez
Glenn’s resignation leaves Andy Ireland (Saltbush Surf, SA), Neil Ritchie (Alto Sports, Vic) and Anthony Wilson (Saltwater Wine) as the 3 x Retail Representatives on the Board. On the Brand side, Dragon’s Mark Hudson was left with two “casual vacancies”. The last order of business for the Board Meeting was to move to filling the casual vacancies. The Board resolved to invite Damian Campbell, this time as the nominated representative for Boardriders Inc, and to seek expressions of interest for the one vacant Brand Representative position.
“With all of the Board changes and the launch of the Awards, the past month has been pretty hectic” added SBIA Executive Officer Lyndall Browning. “It’s exciting times ahead, and I’d welcome any Brand Member with an interest in filling one of the casual vacancies on the SBIA Board to email me admin@sbia.com.au”.
