QUIKSILVER MOURNS MISSING CEO
A sea search for the missing CEO of surfwear company Boardriders Inc. – the parent of the Quiksilver, Roxy, and DC Shoes brands – was called off late Wednesday.
Pierre Agnes, 54, vanished in cold, choppy waters off southwest France. The port authority of the Atlantic beach town of Capbreton in southwest France said the search was launched after Agnes’ empty boat was found washed up Tuesday in nearby Hossegor. The father of three hasn’t been seen since going on a regular morning fishing expedition.
As a result of the ending of the search Boardriders issued the following statement:
“We are deeply saddened to confirm that the search and rescue efforts have not been successful in locating our CEO, Pierre Agnes, who has been lost at sea since Tuesday morning. The entire Boardriders family and thousands of people he touched spanning the globe are mourning this tragic loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, children, family and friends in this extremely difficult time.
Pierre dedicated the past 30 years – his entire professional career – to Quiksilver, Boardriders and the surfing community. Our industry has lost a tremendous ambassador, visionary, and icon, and we have lost a dear friend and passionate leader.
Pierre loved the ocean, the surf industry, his hometown of Capbreton, France, our company and our employees, who he considered family. He helped build Quiksilver into an industry leader and leaves as his legacy the world’s leading action-sports company. We are committed to building upon his vision and continuing the company’s success.”
Thomas Chambolle, chief financial officer, and Jose Cledera, head of HR for Boardriders, said: “We are devastated by the sudden and unexpected loss of Pierre. He was a vibrant spirit, a humble soul, a charismatic leader and our beloved friend. We join the entire surfing industry in mourning his loss. We are deeply grateful for the efforts of the search and rescue teams that worked tirelessly to find him, and for the outpouring of concern that has come from far and wide.”
Greg Healy, global president for Boardriders, added: “The only solace we can take from this is that Pierre left us while doing something he loved – enjoying the vast and endless beauty of the ocean, which had been one of his life’s passions. His leadership left an exceptionally strong team at Boardriders. I know that he saw the resurgence and growth of Quiksilver and Boardriders as his legacy, and our teams around the world are committed to honoring his memory by carrying the business forward with the same passion and energy he infused in us all.”
The company will host several memorials around the world to celebrate Pierre’s life and his many accomplishments. Details will be announced at a later date.
