Weeks After Ongoing Surf Ranch Pro Controversy, WSL CEO Erik Logan Bids Adieu to the Surfing World

It seems like it was just yesterday when Erik Logan was smack in the middle of a hot new debate in the surfing community. The Surf Ranch Pro 2023 came and went, fans raised questions about the fairness of the scores, Gabriel Medina spoke out, and the surfing world was in turmoil. During the ongoing controversy, World Surf League responded through Erik Logan, the then-CEO of the organization. Well, not anymore.

WSL, the organization that administers the professional surfing world championship tour, announced today that Erik Logan would not be associated with it as its CEO. The sudden announcement has raised several eyebrows, considering the fact that the Championship Tour is still underway, and Logan was in attendance at the event. Why the unexpected change?

Days after his open love letter to Brazil, surfing world says goodbye to Erik Logan

Four days ago, the ex-CEO penned a post on Instagram, declaring his appreciation for the Brazilian surfing community. Cut to the present day, the world woke up to a press release by World Surf League. The press release read, “Today, the World Surf League (WSL) announced that CEO Erik Logan has departed the company, effective immediately.” No reason for this ‘departure’ has been offered in the official announcement by WSL. Additionally, they have not put forth another candidate for the CEO position.

The press release by WSL further stated that the current Chief People and Purpose Officer, Emily Hofer, and its Chief Operations Officer who also serves as Chief Legal Officer, Bob Kane, will be taking over the helm for now. Despite being on the receiving end of criticism from fans around the world, WSL, in its press release, reiterated that its commitment to further the joint cause of the world of surfing will not be left unattended. The organization has expressed its wish to keep working with all major stakeholders to make sure the sport of surfing receives holistic development, but it will be doing so without the leadership of Erik Logan, apparently.

Read more: “Not Supported by Any Evidence”: Days After Surf Ranch Pro Controversy, WSL CEO Erik Logan Slams Claims

A few days ago, Erik Logan took to Instagram to openly admire the Brazilian surfing community by writing, “The Brazilian fans, you are truly amazing – your passion, your energy, and your love for surfing is infectious!” Ironically, during the Surf Ranch Pro controversy, the Brazilian surfing community was the one most vocal about their displeasure, considering the fact that two of their own surfers were in the limelight. On May 30, 2023, in reaction to the death threats received by WSL officials, Logan also addressed a letter to the fans, contradicting all allegations against WSL. The exact role of the Surf Ranch Pro incident in the exit of CEO Logan is unknown, as WSL has not given any particulars regarding the reason behind this change in leadership.

Who’s taking over WSL?

The association has announced that Emily Hofer and Bob Kane will be supervising the actions of WSL till the next CEO is officially named. Before the next one in line is revealed, Hofer and Kane will potentially run WSL. Emily Hofer, has been associated with the World Surf League since 2017 as their Chief People Officer. She also became the Chief Purpose Officer of the organization in 2020. Hofer has been the mastermind behind the strategy, design, and delivery of all People and Purpose programs for the World Surf League, Kelly Slater Wave Company, and the WSL Surf Ranch.

On the other hand, Bob Kane has served as the COO and CLO for the WSL and the General Counsel for the Kelly Slater Wave Company since 2019. Kane has been responsible for overseeing WSL operations across various continents. He also overlooks staff and athlete health, safety, and security and is responsible for heading the legal departments of both WSL and Kelly Slater Wave Company. For now, it seems like WSL is in safe hands.

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