ASB MAGAZINE:SurfAid announced that industry stalwart, Doug Lees will replace Andrew Judge as CEO. Lees brings extensive connections to surfing communities and SurfAid. Commenting on the appointment of Doug Lees, Charlie Lancaster, SurfAid Australia’s Board Director said, “I am delighted to welcome Doug Lees as the new CEO of SurfAid International. Doug comes to us having led the team at Coastalwatch and Surfing World for over a decade”

“Doug is deeply connected with the surfing community and a considered advocate of SurfAid’s mission – to improve the health, resilience, and wellbeing of people living in isolated regions, connected to us through surfing.”

Doug Lees current role is General Manager of 3CMG, a multi-platform action-sports media company which includes Surfing World Magazine and the surf website Coastalwatch. Lees also holds a Master of Business Administration – University of Technology, Graduate Diploma in Sports Management – University of Technology and a Bachelor of Education in Fine Art – University of NSW

SurfAid has shared the same office in Avalon Beach with 3CMG for almost 10 years and says Lees “I’ve been fortunate to work on many projects alongside the SurfAid team, including many SurfAid Cups and Surfing Chefs events. I have a lot of admiration for the entire SurfAid team, having seen the passion the Sydney staff bring to their work. I’m excited to take their skill and enthusiasm to the next level, making an even greater humanitarian impact.”

“Over the past few months I’ve had the great pleasure of meeting SurfAid Directors from NZ, USA and Australia. One of the most exciting prospects of my new role is the opportunity to work with such an amazing bunch of people who have all impressed me with their enthusiasm and passion for SurfAid and the projects they undertake,” said Lees.

“When I look back over my career in the surf industry, I feel as though it’s prepared me for this position with SurfAid, and with the team in place, I’m very optimistic about the year ahead. The opportunity to give back in a meaningful way to people who live in regions of the world that have given so much to surfers and surfing is something I am truly honored to be part of,” added Doug lees.

Andrew Judge will step down on January 1, 2019 and join its Board of Directors.  Lees paid tribute to outgoing CEO Andrew Judge saying, “Andrew leaves SurfAid well positioned for the future and he’s a man passionate about his role in improving the lives of others.”

“SurfAid’s mission statement is a compelling one that I love:  a non-profit humanitarian organisation seeking to improve the health, wellbeing and self-reliance of people living in isolated regions connected to us through surfing. I see no reason why every surfer on the planet part of the solution should not be and embrace SurfAid as the surfing community’s way of greatly improving the lives of people who live near some of the great waves of the world,” enthused Doug Lees.

For more on Surf Aid please visit www.surfaid.org