Aqua Lung, a designer, manufacturer and distributor of dive and watersports equipment for 75 years, has appointed Matthieu Bazil as CEO, effective immediately. Bazil will be based from the Aqua Lung Group offices in Carros, France.

Bazil takes the helm as Aqua Lung continues on a path of global leadership in developing and bringing to market the best in scuba, swim, snorkel, and recreational paddle sport products.

Bazil, a passionate watersports enthusiast and scuba diver, comes to Aqua Lung after highly successful engagements at Fox Racing, Oxbow, Boardriders Inc. (with global leadership roles at both DC Shoes and Quiksilver), and key account management with Adidas.

“I have worked in the sports industry all my life and have sought out brands that are authentic and credible in their space and leaders in their industry. Aqua Lung fits this definition perfectly, being the pioneer of scuba diving, and each brand of the portfolio being the most authentic and credible player in their segment,” Bazil said.

The Aqua Lung Group is fully committed to evolving and innovating the absolute best products to inspire every type of water exploration, led by scuba brands Aqua Lung and Apeks Diving. The Group is also heavily invested in the world of swimming, with Aqua Sphere and a longstanding partnership with Michael Phelps around the MP Brand swimming line for competitive swimmers and triathletes.

“We will rely most on the strength of our assets, whether it’s the best to ever get in the pool in Michael Phelps, or the first family of the Oceans with Philippe and Ashlan Cousteau — combining these iconic personalities with our incredibly capable internal teams and brands, we will push forward with truly remarkable next-generation products built by our dedicated experts worldwide. There is much on the horizon for the Aqua Lung Group and it is my honor to be joining this talented team,” Bazil said.