Surfech, the manufacturer of surfboards and standup paddleboards, hired Andy Barnett as general manager. Barnett reportedly brings over 10 years of experience from his previous roles at Lost Surfboards, where he initially served as CFO before transitioning to general manager .
During his time at Lost Surfboards, Barnett also managed the sales and marketing team, owned a glassing shop and guided the company through the 2008 recession.
Trent Pederson, CEO of Surfech, said, “The post-pandemic surf market has been very challenging for the specialty surf business. At the onset of our search, we determined that our GM position required all the leadership elements for Surftech, but also had the additional responsibility to find the right person to provide trusted leadership in the Surf and SUP category for the retail network. Andrew fits the bill precisely. He has an intimate knowledge of surfboards, a deep understanding of our industry and is well-respected by many of our key partners.
“Andy’s hiring is a signal to our retail partners that we understand that the challenges facing our retail surf industry are unique: surfing as a sport, has never seen greater participation. Yet surf retail has never been as challenged as it is now. Surftech is one of the oldest brands in surfing and we have a substantial global retail network. We embrace the obligation to help lead the surf industry back to profitability and better times. We are pleased that Andy has accepted the role of general manager, and we look forward to better times for the industry and Surftech,” concluded Pederson.
Barnett works from Surftech’s Carlsbad, CA office. He began his role on March 24.
Images courtesy Surftech
