Florence Marine X Announces Pat O’Connell As President

Florence Marine X, an apparel company co-founded by John John Florence and Bob Hurley, has added Pat O’Connell to their roster. Pat has assumed the role of the company’s President.

Before he worked for the WSL, Pat O’Connell and John Florence spent years working together in different capacities. Pat was the VP of Sports Marketing for Hurley, in which time crafted one the most dominant teams in the sport’s history. Mr. Florence was a standout on the crew of superstars.

Plus, Pat actually coached John John prior to Bede Durbidge and eventually Ross Williams.

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According to the Florence Marine X press release:

Pat O’Connell comes to Florence from the World Surf League (WSL) where he was SVP, Tours & Head of Competition, responsible for overseeing the development of all of the WSL’s various tours. Prior, Pat was VP of Sports Marketing for Hurley, where he architected the most dominant surf athlete program in the sport’s history.  

“I couldn’t be more excited to work with John and the team to create a brand that will inspire people to get out and explore,” said Pat. “We have an incredible opportunity to do things differently with Florence Marine X, and the future of this brand looks incredibly bright.” 

John Florence said of the announcement, “I’m incredibly thankful to have Pat come aboard. We have a great history working together and I’m really excited for the road ahead.”

When WSL Commissioner Kieren Perrow stepped down in 2019, O’Connell left Hurley to fill the empty position. Today, Pat has returned to work alongside John John Florence and Jeff Hurley.

O’Connell will begin his role immediately and will be based out of Kandui Holdings HQ in Newport Beach, CA.