Former Spy exec named VonZipper GM

By

Cassidy Mantor

Published
Sep 19, 2017

Michael Marckx, former President and CEO of Spy Inc., has been named the new global GM for Billabong Group's VonZipper.

Marckx is expected to utilize his experience in breathing new life into tired heritage brands, as he has previously worked in product development, marketing, and curating consumer experience. According to VonZipper founder Greg "GT" Tomlinson, Marckx "not only has a strong understanding of youth sub-culture, but also advertising, branding and marketing."

Marckx for his part said, "It’s easy to see that the eyewear category is ripe for some freshness and a bit of unfettered happiness."

Most recently Marckx led a revitalization of Spy Inc., reporting three and a half years of growth under his leadership. He helped develop new product stories and events for the eyewear company.

Prior to Spy, Marckx was a VP of global marketing at Globe and a VP and creative director at Ocean Pacific. He was also the Chairman of the Board of the Surfrider Foundation and publisher of Surfing magazine.

In addition to working at Spy, Marckx also started his own agency, Creative Disruption. He lectures at universities and graduate programs around Southern California.

Tomlinson said that Marckx embodies the "disciplined yet spontaneous energy the VZ brand will thrive with." Tomlinson said VonZipper will roll out new product and reestablish itself as an icon in eyewear under Marckx's leadership.

Billabong Group CEO Neil Fiske called Marckx a game changer.

VonZipper was founded in 2000 in San Clemente, CA and makes sunglasses, goggles, optics and soft goods. Marckx will work out of its Orange County headquarters.