Thierry Verneuil is surfing toward new horizons and passing the torch to Renaud Lacoste.
Tahe Outdoors France, a European leader in the water sports industry for over 40 years, announces that Thierry Verneuil, the iconic President of the Group for nearly 27 years, is handing over the reins to Renaud Lacoste.
A new page is being turned. After a successful career at the top of BIC Sport and Tahe Outdoors Group, Thierry Verneuil is handing over the company’s running to Renaud Lacoste, who is taking over as Chairman. With his efficiency honed on the bench at the Swiss Polytechnic School, his expertise in marketing strategy at the HEC business school, and an unwavering passion for the sea, Thierry has left his imprint on the company through his leadership. Against all the odds, and with some great successes under his belt, he has led the Tahe Outdoors France group to become one of the world leaders in manufacturing and distributing watersports products while maintaining work in Vannes.
Thierry Verneuil began his career with Schlumberger Overseas before heading the sailing company Voilerie Verneuil. 1992, he joined the BIC Sport group, becoming CEO and President in 1997. Under his leadership, BIC Sport, then known for windsurfing, expanded its activities to include surfing, Stand-Up Paddle, Open Skiff, kayaking, and, more recently, wing foiling.
Thanks to its cutting-edge technology and unique industrial capacity, the Group has become one of the world market leaders, particularly in surfing. Thierry Verneuil has led BIC Sport through major changes, strengthening its presence in international markets by developing subsidiaries in the United States, Australia, and Japan. The company exports 80% of its goods.
‘It’s been a long journey since 1992 I took over the company. It’s time for me to make room for a renewed team. I’m sad to be leaving the helm. Still, I’m sure the company will remain faithful to its mission to promote watersports’ growth, development, and democratization and the made-in-France that I have so ardently defended. I wish all the best to Renaud Lacoste, whom I have chosen to succeed me, and to the Group’s 120 employees”, says Thierry Verneuil.
His commitment is not limited to his role as CEO; he has also been very active in the non-profit sector, heading up associations such as the professional windsurfers’ association in France, the UDEM MEDEF 56 (French bosses association), the Fédération des Industries Nautiques (French Nautical Industries Federation), the Team France association, and the Ecole Nationale de Voile et de Sports Nautiques (National Sailing School), where he successfully worked to rethink the school’s development strategy. Since February 2024, he has been the new President of the Semaine du Golfe Management Board, France’s first Maritime Festival.
Renaud Lacoste, from BIC to Tahe Outdoors France
Renaud Lacoste has taken over as President of Tahe Outdoors France.
In addition to his passion for board sports, Renaud Lacoste also brings a rich experience, which he acquired first at Deloitte and then at BIC, where he worked as financial director for emerging markets and as director of financial transformation. He worked closely with Thierry Verneuil and his teams during the merger of BIC Sport with the Tahe Outdoors group.
‘We would like to thank Thierry for his commitment and long-lasting impact on our company and the industry. His career is a source of respect and a role model at this time of change.
We’ve been preparing for this transition for over a year, and I’m confident about the future. Our production facilities are unique, our teams are motivated, and our distribution network is well aware of the quality of our products, which we offer to sports enthusiasts with passion and professionalism. These are our strengths and the pillars of Tahe Outdoors France’s success. These solid foundations will enable me to share my vision and tackle the challenges of today and tomorrow,’ Renaud Lacoste concludes.
