SWIM/SURF

Billabong Names New COO

Jeff Streader was recently named global chief operating officer for surf giant Billabong. Streader will be based in the Irvine, Calif., offices of the Australia-headquartered surf giant.

Streader most recently served as an operating partner for Marlin Equity, a global investment firm. Billabong Chief Executive Officer Neil Fiske said Streader’s experience in supply-chain strategy made him a crucial addition to Billabong.

“Jeff’s deep experience in global supply-chain operations will help us build the global platforms we need to improve our speed to market, inventory turn and product margins,” Fiske said in a statement.

Streader has worked in supply-chain operations for more than 14 years. From 2008 to 2011, Streader was the senior vice present of supply chain at Guess? Inc. From 2006 to 2008 he was president of Kellwood Co.’s corporate supply chain.

Billabong also announced the appointment of Bill Bettencourt as global general manager for RVCA, one of the most prominent labels in Billabong’s family of brands. Bettencourt most recently served as senior vice president, sales and marketing, for footwear and lifestyle brand Sperry Top-Sider.

“Bill is a brand builder with a go-to-market skill set that will help realize the tremendous growth potential of the brand globally. His international leadership experience in athletic and action sports will be a big asset for the RVCA brand,” Fiske said in a statement.