Rip Curl to cut jobs in corporate ‘restructure’

An iconic Surf Coast brand has detailed plans to shuffle some positions and cull others in a move to restructure its business.

Rip Curl staff have been informed of plans to shed jobs. Picture: Brad Fleet.

Rip Curl has advised staff of plans to cull jobs as the company faces a “restructure”.

An email sent by chief executive officer Brooke Farris, and seen by the Geelong Advertiser, revealed plans to remove and “adjust” roles across its Australian and New Zealand branches.

“While the majority of these conversations have already commenced, discussions will be completed in the next week or two as we work through a consultative process with those impacted,” the email read.

Ms Farris advised staff the overriding focus of the reshuffle was to “consolidate tasks and responsibilities”.

The popular surfing and sportswear company – founded in Torquay in 1969 – merged with outdoor retailer Kathmandu in 2019.

Rip Curl staff have been informed of plans to shed jobs. Picture: Brad Fleet.

“Similar conversations and actions are being implemented across the Kathmandu and KMD Brands businesses in both Melbourne and Christchurch,” Ms Farris wrote.

“Our team in North America were also stepped through some changes back in June.

The email did not reveal how many roles would be impacted, and Rip Curl did not respond to requests for comment.

“We understand this is a difficult time. It’s difficult for those leaving us and it’s difficult for those who stay,” Ms Farris advised staff.

“It is really important we treat impacted individuals in a respectful way.”

The brand has long held strong ties to the Surf Coast, where it was founded by friends Douglas Warbrick and Brian Singer.

In February this year, KMD Brands reported third quarter sales up 7.9 per cent compared to a year earlier, citing the return to outdoor activities post-Covid lockdown.

Rip Curl staff have been informed of plans to shed jobs. Picture: Brad Fleet

But just six months later the company warned of a slower start to winter due to the rising cost of living and softer consumer sentiment.

“Recent trading in the fourth quarter has been more challenging, with increased cost-of-living pressures softening consumer sentiment,” the company said.

“Kathmandu has so far experienced a slower start to its winter trading period, cycling its best-ever winter season performance last year.

“Sales and retail footfall have been impacted by a warmer start to winter in Australia, and softening consumer sentiment overall.”

Originally published as Rip Curl to cut jobs in corporate ‘restructure’