Boardriders names The North Face vet as incoming CEO

By

Robin Driver

Published
Feb 4, 2021

Huntington Beach, California-based action sports group Boardriders Inc. has revealed that Arne Arens will be replacing Dave Tanner as the company’s CEO, effective March 1.

 
In his new role, Arens will head up a global apparel, footwear and accessories company with a brand portfolio that includes Quiksilver, Billabong, Roxy, DC Shoes, RVCA, Element, and VonZipper.
 
The executive joins Boardriders from VF Corporation-owned outdoor brand The North Face, where he most recently served as global brand president. Over a period of more than ten years with the brand, he also held the positions of GM for the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region, and VP for sales in EMEA.

Prior to The North Face, Arens spent just under eight years at Nike, where he served in roles including sales director for Central and Eastern Europe, GM for football, and strategic account manager.
 
The Dutch-born executive, who holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Amsterdam and an EMBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, was previously a management consultant and professional volleyball player.
 
“I am very excited that we have secured a great talent like Arne to lead us into this next phase of our journey,” said Tanner in a release. “I am enormously proud of what our teams have accomplished through our joint vision, passion, and stamina during my five and a half years with the company – the most challenging and rewarding of my career to date.”
 
Since 2015, Tanner has led the restructuring and turnaround of Boardriders and its predecessor company, Quiksilver, Inc., in collaboration with Oaktree Capital Management. He also oversaw the acquisition and successful integration of Billabong and led Boardriders as it pivoted towards a growth agenda and a greater emphasis on e-commerce.
 
Tanner will remain on the company’s board of directors and will work closely with Arens to ensure a smooth transition.
 
Boardriders products are currently sold in over 110 countries, through a combination of company-owned stores, retail partners including specialty and department stores, and a range of e-commerce channels.