The WSL has hired Portuguese Francisco Spinola as its new general manager for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, the organization announced last Friday in a press release.

Spinola had previously organised several tournaments for the organisation and has now joined the organisation. One of his roles will be to develop Slater's pool in the aforementioned regions.

“I am excited and looking forward to the challenges that the role brings,” said Spinola. “I definitely recognize that EMEA is a huge and complex region with many countries, different languages ​​and cultures. I think that knowing these markets is vital and that I therefore need to maintain and identify more partners to develop the WSL’s presence in those countries. I believe that my experience as a long-time partner of the WSL will help me to grow surfing and the WSL in that region.”

Francisco Spinola is a surfer, he was a competitor in Portugal and has an MBA that he studied near the waves, in Sydney.

Commenting on the hire, WSL CEO Sophie Goldschmidt welcomed Francisco, saying: “We have been very fortunate to have worked with Francisco on a number of occasions over the years and having him now lead the region to look at partnerships, marketing, event operations and developing the Kelly Slater Wave Company will strengthen our position in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.”