Vipe Desai Named New Executive Director of SIMA
SIMA has appointed industry vet, and current member of the board for many organisations and corporations, Vipe Desai as their new Executive Director.
Press Release:
SIMA Announces Vipe Desai as New Executive Director
The Board of Directors of the Surf Industry Manufacturers Association (SIMA) are excited to announce the appointment of industry marketing veteran and environmental advocate, Vipe Desai, to the role of Executive Director effective immediately. Vipe brings more than 35 years of experience spanning retail, brand building, event planning and philanthropy to SIMA, and will be instrumental in guiding the organization and its members towards new opportunities for growth.
Since 1989, SIMA’s goal has been to grow and support the surf industry through advocacy, market analysis, sustainability, networking and educational programming. Bringing together pioneers and startups, SIMA works to create a singular voice to support its members’ efforts to drive Billions in economic activity while supporting organizations that work tirelessly to protect the ocean.
Vipe began his career in the surf industry as owner of H2O Surf Shop in Sunset Beach, CA. After 10 years in business, he went on to found the youth marketing agency Propaganda Headquarters, which counted Red Bull, Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge, FedEx, Wahoo’s Fish Tacos, and numerous other clients. He has held leadership roles with Monster Energy and TransWorld Media, and currently sits on the board of such notable organizations as Ocean Institute, Business Alliance for Protecting the Pacific Coast, and Skateistan, in addition to his corporate board appointments that include Brix REIT, Inc and Elevate Money.
“I am stoked to announce the appointment of Vipe as the Executive Director of SIMA and that he is excited to serve and looking forward to working with all our members. He brings a vast amount of experience stemming from his days in retail and executing creative collaborations while at his agency that will benefit SIMA and our members,” said Paul Naude, SIMA President and CEO of Vissla. “Vipe represents the depth and breadth of talent and experience that will ensure strong leadership at SIMA as the surf industry navigates new and exciting opportunities to improve business conditions and stewardship of our environmental efforts.”
SIMA represents the leading consumer brands across the surf community. Member brands range from apparel and wetsuit manufacturers, as well as surfboard builders, footwear, and accessory brands.
“The Olympics have put surfing on the world stage and consumers have taken notice. The opportunities for welcoming new participants and growth falls on us as an industry to roll out the welcome mat, or risk others coming in and building off the foundation we’ve already poured,” said Vipe. “With this growth comes even greater responsibility to innovate, adopt and champion sustainable solutions that protect the health of our oceans. One of my key deliverables leading with SIMA will be to leverage the brighter spotlight that’s on us now and help members take advantage of the new opportunities ahead.”
From sustainability and environmental policy, to research and marketing for overall industry growth, SIMA is committed to a surf industry in helping its members thrive.
