Nixon, the Southern California-based watch and accessories brand, appointed Philippe Gouzes as the brand’s newly appointed vice president of sales and general manager, EMEA. Gouzes will be based in Nixon’s main EMEA office in Hossegor, France, and will report directly to Nick Stowe, Nixon’s CEO.
“Philippe is the perfect executive to lead Nixon’s next phase of growth in EMEA. He brings deep European action sports experience and the ability to drive sales and build a brand in a complex multi-channel environment”, said Stowe, referring to Gouzes’s 20 years of leadership experience in action sports. “He’s a great addition to Nixon’s executive team as we look to double our business and brand reach over the next 3-5 years.”
“Very few brands stand out in the industry, and Nixon is definitely one of those shining stars I’ve looked to since day one,” stated Gouzes. “I feel honored to join such a talented crew and I am looking forward to being part of the brand’s next chapters. In short, I am stoked!”
Gouzes will be responsible for leading Nixon’s growth in EMEA, expanding its sales and marketing presence in Germany, France, Spain, Italy and the UK as well as building new and existing distributor relationships across the region. In addition to working closely with retail partners, Gouzes will also lead Nixon’s direct business, opening the brand’s first European retail stores in the Le Marais district of Paris and Carnaby in London as well as launching a new e-commerce site, all set to debut this fall.
Most recently Gouzes was senior VP of International Business for Burton, setting up distribution partnerships in South Korea, establishing new sales structures for Asia/Pacific and opening Burton’s first office in China. Prior to that, Gouzes spent six successful years as VP of Sales, Europe for all Burton brands and Channel Islands, and previously held senior positions at Rossignol.
Gouzes replaces Nixon’s outgoing EMEA General Manager, Arnaud Gaillard, who is leaving to pursue other interests after six years with the brand. Gaillard will work closely with Gouzes over the next month to ensure a smooth transition.
About Nixon
Founded in 1998 in Encinitas, CA, Nixon is the premium watch and accessories brand for the youth lifestyle market. Focused on making the little stuff better, Nixon began with a small line of team-designed, custom-built watches sold exclusively in specialty boardsport and fashion retailers. Currently distributed in over 90 countries, Nixon’s product range has grown to include select softgoods, leather goods, custom audio products and more. For more information, please visit: Nixon.com.
