California Apparel News

Element, an Irvine, Calif.–based brand owned by Billabong International Ltd., announced on Nov. 24 the hiring of two European executives.

Reynald Gautier was hired as vice president of Element’s global design. Julien Duval was promoted to vice president of global marketing.

Frank Voit, the global general manager of Element, noted that the two new hires are accomplished at their respective disciplines and are both skateboarders. “Element continues to solidify its brand strength by hiring skateboarders who are creative experts in design and marketing to ensure future product lines resonate with consumers. Reynald and Julien will lead global teams while driving the creative process forward to create the freshest product for our customers,” Voit said.

Both Duval and Gautier will work out of Element’s European offices in Hossegor, France. Gautier will direct the company’s different regions to ensure a consistent vision for Element’s product, according to an Element statement.

Element began as a skateboarding brand in 1992, and it will develop international retail before the year ends. In December, the company is scheduled to open a London boutique.