Rodney Johnson has joined the Billabong team as Skate Marketing Manager. Rodney will be the driving force behind all skate efforts as Billabong launches a more intensive campaign into the market place. Johnson will also oversee the team management and event presence as well as media and web promotions.

“Rodney brings with him a lifetime of experience and knowledge of the industry. He understands the business and how to put together a strong marketing initiative from the ground up.” says Harris, “Rodney is a great addition to the Billabong Family.”

Prior to joining Billabong, Rodney spent 4 years with the Hawk brand building their youth oriented label, however Johnson’s roots in the skate culture go much deeper. After growing up skating in Florida, Rodney moved to California where he landed his first job at TransWorld Skateboarding magazine, learning the industry from a grassroots perspective in special events. Rodney then spent 7 years at Climax Distribution working his way from shipping to domestic sales and then on to brand/team manager. From there he was drafted by World Industries where he helped grow World to its highest point. “I have worked in both worlds running marketing programs and a skate team” Rodney says, “Now I can use both skill sets to run integrated programs and takethe skate side of Billabong to the next level.”

Busting down the skate door is no easy task and requires a seasoned veteran to make it happen. Harris considers Johnson the perfect man for that challenge. “Through the years Johnson has developed a solid reputation with his work ethic and integrity,” notes Harris, “He has developed strong relationships with key skaters and has developed great grass roots marketing initiatives.”