Tom Ruiz exits Volcom

This photo reflects the changes in the industry. Duke Edukas of Surfside Sports

Longtime Volcom Executive Vice President of Sales Tom Ruiz has exited the company, CEO Jason Steris confirmed to SES today.

Tom has worked at Volcom since 1998, and was a key member of the tight-knit leadership team through the company’s rapid growth years, its evolution into a publicly traded company, and the purchase in 2011 by French luxury company Kering, formerly known as PPR.

“Working with Tom has been a pleasure and his contributions to our achievements are highly regarded and appreciated,” Volcom CEO Jason Steris said. “Under his sales leadership, the Volcom brand experienced significant growth over the course of many years through a carefully developed wholesale network.  On behalf of the company we wish him continued success as he moves into his next chapter.”




I exchanged text messages with Tom, and he sent this statement. “It has been a pleasure and an honor being a part of the Volcom family for the last 16 years,” he said. “I have enjoyed working with the best of the best in the Action Sports industry. It’s been an incredible journey filled with a lifetime of great memories. I wish my Volcom family the best of luck and I’m looking forward to the future.”

To the outside, Volcom projects a brand image of reckless abandon, “youth against establishment” and hard partying, but behind the scenes it has the reputation of being one of the most well-run, disciplined organizations in action sports.

Tom reflects that Volcom duality, and its known for being very smart and for having super tight relationships with key industry retailers. He is one of the most well respected salesmen in the industry.

Prior to joining Volcom, Tom worked at Yaga Clothing, was owner and president of Bleick Jeans, and had several sales positions at Quiksilver.

Tom’s departure is the latest in a string of major changes in the sales ranks of the industry’s largest companies.

Many retailers have told me they find the changes unsettling, especially because they have worked so closely for so many years with key sales executives at the industry’s largest companies. Several of those companies have experienced major turnover in their sales ranks during the past year, particularly Billabong and Quiksilver.

 

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