Simon Henton to leave Zebco Europe

Well-known industry figure Simon Henton is leaving Zebco Europe after almost six years to join a yet to be revealed tackle company in Europe.

He will remain at Zebco for a short handover period and will then take some time off before starting his new sales and marketing role on September 1st.

Henton joined Zebco as Senior Sales Manager in September 2016, and moved up to his current role of Sales and Marketing Director in January 2020.

Zebco Brands in the US, along with Preston in Telford UK, and Zebco Europe, based in Tostedt, Germany, were acquired by Rather Outdoors, the owner of brands including Fox, Strike King, Salmo and Lew’s, 15 months ago.

“My role has changed since the acquisition and I have been thinking about a move for some time,” Henton told Angling International. “Rather Outdoors is a very astute, focused business but it wasn’t right for me. So when an offer came along that suited me I decided to take it. It was the right thing for me to move on, but came a little sooner than I expected.

“Zebco Europe has been probably the most interesting and rewarding job I have had. I’m proud of what the team has achieved during my time here. It has pivoted the business from an outdated distribution model to a path towards a modern consumer-focused model.

“Already the benefits are showing as the business enjoyed a record year in 2021 by some considerable margin. In my remaining weeks at Zebco I shall be putting all my efforts into making my transition out of the business as painless as possible, and I know I can rely on the team I leave behind to carry on their outstanding work.

“I am leaving some great colleagues and many special memories, but I take with me friends for life that I would not have met without joining Zebco. I thought Zebco Europe would be my last job in the industry. Now I hope that my next one will be.”

Prior to joining Zebco, Henton’s other industry roles included Global Marketing Manager at fishing line supplier FirstDart, and before that, Managing Director of UK company Leeda.

Rather Outdoors has not made any statement about a replacement for Henton.