JS Industries USA, the Australian maker of surfboards, appointed Heath Walker as president of American operations.
Having held leadership roles throughout the surfing industry following a 10-year professional surfing career, Walker’s experience will help to bring all of the latest innovations and newest models from JS to the best surf shops in the USA.
“Our support team in Australia and athletes all over the world have made JS a globally recognized and trusted brand. We are scratching the surface of its potential here in the US to date, and there’s a massive opportunity in front of us to see the brand grow and become a household name throughout the country.
“It is an honour to work in a category that I have so much passion for. Surfboards are the original reason why surf shops exist, and the surfboard category has never been so exciting. Plus, I know I’m going to be surfing a lot more with some of the best equipment the industry has to offer, and that excites me as much as anything!”
Also joining the team is Brent Reilly, as SoCal sales rep. Born and bred in Carlsbad, Brent has held roles at Surf Ride Oceanside as General Manager and Surf Team Manager, and also Surfer Magazine. Now, we’re lucky to see that he’s found the best fit so far for his talents at JS USA.
“I’m ecstatic to be joining such a talented team at JS. With so many proven surfboard designs from Jason, alongside the incredible HYFI technology, there’s a lot to be excited about. I can’t wait to bring magic boards to surfers all over the USA and share what we have for 2020!”
One of the most respected shapers in the world, founder Jason Stevenson has built JS Industries from the ground up. Jason’s vision has always been to create the best performing boards in the world, from CT level shortboards, all the way down to ultra-fast and forgiving twin fins & fun boards.
For the last two decades, JS has constantly refined and improved his shapes with R&D alongside invaluable team riders like Occy, Andy & Bruce Irons, Joel Parkinson, Julian Wilson, Dusty Payne & Mikey Wright. Not only have they won world titles, but nationwide popularity competitions as the favourite boards of everyday surfers. Now, with a cutting-edge alternate construction in HYFI being ridden all over the world, including CT heats, JS is more focused than ever on creating boards to excel in the USA.
“We’ve been supported in American stores for almost twenty years now, and have seen an incredible amount of love for our boards and brand overall. Heath’s unique background from pro surfer to leadership throughout the USA industry means we could not be in better hands moving forward.”
