Neil Pryde will retire as Managing Director of Pryde Group on the 31st December, 2013.
The man who founded one of the most important windsurfing brands in the history of the sport will step down after 43 years of work and innovation.
"The decision for me to step back from active management of the company that I founded 43 years ago is obviously a significant milestone in the company's history and in my life", says Neil Pryde.
"Pryde Group represents my life's work, and I am extremely proud of what we have been able to create in one of the world's leading action sports companies with market-leading brands in windsurfing and kitesurfing."
"I certainly could not have achieved anything we have done without the support of an incredibly loyal group of colleagues and employees, and I will not forget the effort you have made on behalf of the company. I wish you well for the future", reveals the father of NeilPryde.
Patrick Pender, currently Deputy Managing Director, will become Managing Director, and Peter Lui, currently CFO for the company, will become Chief Operating Officer.
Pender, a sailor himself, has been a part of management teams at the Gaastra Group, Guess Watches, Oozeeki, and Bvlgari.
Neil Pryde will become the Chairman of the company and will remain a member of the Board of Directors.
Today, the Pryde Group controls Neil Pryde Windsurfing, NP Waterwear, JP Australia, Cabrinha, and Imagine Surf.
Neil Pryde Ltd was founded in Hong Kong in 1970 as a sailmaker, supplying sails primarily to yacht builders in Europe.
It is a privately held company, a partnership between Neil Pryde and the Shriro Group.