Laurent Potdevin Resigns As Burton CEO

by The Editors on May 3, 2010

012910  80Jake and Donna Carpenter will be moving back into the official drivers’ seats at Burton Snowboards while the company searches for a CEO to replace Laurent Potdevin who announced his resignation today.

Burton today announced the departure of CEO Laurent Potdevin, who plans to pursue other opportunities after working at the world’s leading snowboard company for 15 years. Laurent will stay connected to Burton as a consultant and advisor to the company. . . “Laurent and I have had a great 15 years together,” says Jake Burton Carpenter, Founder and Chairman of Burton Snowboards. “I support his decision to move on, and as a company we’ve always looked at change as an opportunity. This marks a new chapter for Burton during a time when snowboarding is gaining a lot of momentum.”

Probably wouldn’t be bad for anyone involved if this search took a little longer than expected. Jake looks so good behind the wheel. . . follow the jump for the entire release.
Burton Snowboards CEO Resigns

BURLINGTON, Vt. (May 3, 2010) — Burton today announced the departure of CEO Laurent Potdevin, who plans to pursue other opportunities after working at the world’s leading snowboard company for 15 years. Laurent will stay connected to Burton as a consultant and advisor to the company.

“Laurent and I have had a great 15 years together,” says Jake Burton Carpenter, Founder and Chairman of Burton Snowboards. “I support his decision to move on, and as a company we’ve always looked at change as an opportunity. This marks a new chapter for Burton during a time when snowboarding is gaining a lot of momentum.”

“What started as a Vermont leap-of-faith 15 years ago turned out to be one hell of a ride,” said Laurent Potdevin. “It’s been an incredibly fun, fast and productive time, which I truly enjoyed every day. From Jake on, the people at Burton are a powerful, inspiring and fun group, and I will miss that.”

Laurent has a strong legacy at the company. He came to Burton in 1995 in an Operations capacity, was elevated to the role of President in 2002, and ultimately became CEO in 2005, overseeing all Burton brands and shared services on a global level. During his tenure, Laurent played a key role in Burton’s diversification efforts and helped maintain and strengthen Burton’s position as the snowboard industry leader.

“Laurent has helped steer Burton through some very challenging periods,” continued Jake. “And this transition is a lot easier knowing that he leaves Burton at a time when our focus, performance and team are more solid than ever. Our commitment to product and to supporting our retailers has not wavered, and we are ready for what lies ahead.”

Moving forward, in addition to being Burton’s Chairman and Founder, Jake Burton will assume the role of CEO on an interim basis, while Burton searches for Laurent’s successor. Jake will receive considerable help from his wife Donna, who has played an integral role in the company since its inception, including spearheading the growth of Burton’s women’s business and international sales.

{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }

NigHeist May 3, 2010 at 9:09 am

Holy smokes – this is huge!

Having never dealt with the guy personally, I don’t really have an opinion on him. I know others do, so it will be interesting to see what gets written.

It seems like he did a great job helping to guide Burton to the top, but maybe finding it hard to sustain momentum for brand.

Jean Girard May 3, 2010 at 9:36 am

And now, the matador shall dance with the blind shoemaker!

Mahogany May 3, 2010 at 10:26 am

The only suprising thing is that it didn’t happen sooner.

josh May 3, 2010 at 11:03 am

I’d jump ship too at the first sign of losing money.

Rosco P Snoretrain May 3, 2010 at 2:06 pm

I heard left to head up the new Ed Hardy Snow Division.

eastie May 4, 2010 at 7:21 am

i heard he was going to ralston snowskates. ralston is going worldwide and putting binding factories out of business.

Denis Ryan May 11, 2010 at 10:53 am

RE: LAURENT POTDEVIN

I would like to get hold of Laurent Potdevin….anyone have his email address?
thanks

industry May 11, 2010 at 1:25 pm

Laurent is a good guy.

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