GSM Europe, the company that markets Billabong in Europe, has appointed Jérôme Elbaz as its new director of sales. He will manage accounts in France, Spain, the U.K., the Netherlands, Austria, Germany and Belgium, and will also supervise the expanding distribution network in Eastern Europe. Elbaz started his career with a 10-year stint at Salomon, which he followed up with four years at Benetton Sportsystem. Elbaz replaces François Carreté, who has taken a post with Billabong in the USA.