Element puts together new management team

By

Olivier Guyot

Published
Nov 27, 2014

The success of Element’s European collections has been one of the Billabong-owned skate brand’s most important assets. No wonder that Neil Fiske, CEO of board sports group, has decided to name Frank Voit, who previously headed Element’s European operations, the brand’s new global general manager.

Voit has now put together his support team. Julien Duval, who has served as brand director in Europe for three years, has been named vice president of global marketing. He has been thus far been responsible for the successful launches of the Wolfeboro jacket collection and collaborations with the artist Timber.

As for design, Voit has decided to inject some new life into the brand. Reynald Gautier, Element’s new vice president of global design, is a denim specialist. He has spent more than five years as creative director for Edwin’s European collections. Previously, Gautier has also worked with Jeff Griffin (Griffin Studio), Nigel Cabourn, Margaret Howell, Surface To Air, Full Count and Maharishi.

Element has also reshuffled its US team. Donavon Dartez, formerly at Volcom and DC Shoes, has been named VP of sales. Candice Betancourt-Scott; who has worked at Nike, Coach and Tommy Hilfiger; has been appointed director of lifestyle marketing. Marc Falkenstien has been promoted to branch brands director, tasked with developing Element and Plan B’s skate business. Scott Bredenkamp joins the brand from Sole Technology as the brand’s new director of operations. 

Finally, Brian Erickson will take over as VP of merchandise and design. He held the same position at O'Neill, but has also worked at Levi's and Quiksilver.