Billabong appointed Jeff Booth, former top 5 ASP surfer, as Mens National Sales Manager starting in January 2006. The long time Laguna Beach resident and former top professional on the ASP World Tour will head up the mens sales force and continue Billabongs main focus of high level support for board sport retailers in the USA.
“We look forward to having Jeff on board to fill a vital position on our team,” says Paul Naude, President of Billabong USA. “His experience in sales, his knowledge at the shop level and his credibility in the surf are a great combination.”
After nearly a decade of stardom as both an amateur and professional surfer, Jeff left the competitive arena at the top of his game. Finishing his last year on the WCT tour rated in the top 10, he decided to exit the contest circuit to pursue a career on the business side of the surf industry, first as a Sales Rep, then as a Regional Sales Manager before serving as a Director of Marketing.
Booth quickly built a solid relationship with key retailers. Using his experience and achievements from his surfing career to gain credibility, he soon developed a strong reputation for trustworthiness with grassroots shop owners.
“He has always conducted himself professionally and his rapport with the specialty retailer is really important to us,” says Paul Naude. “He also still rips out in the surf which is important too!”
Jeff Booth adds, “Im very stoked to accept this role. Its a huge opportunity. My core values align with Billabong and where the company is headed. I think this is a natural fit for the both of us and cant wait to get started.”
