Is Element Skateboards a subsidiary of Authentic Brands Group?

Element Skateboards operates as a brand within Authentic Brands Group's portfolio. The brand is not a separate subsidiary but a core asset under ABG's organization, managed through licensing agreements and brand partnerships.

Is Element Skateboards publicly traded?

Element Skateboards itself is not publicly traded as a separate entity. Parent company Authentic Brands Group is privately owned and not publicly traded, meaning there are no publicly available shares for either Element or ABG.

When was Element Skateboards founded and acquired?

Element Skateboards was founded in 1992 by Johnny Schillereff and was acquired by Authentic Brands Group in 2023 through ABG's acquisition of Boardriders, the parent company of Element and other action sports brands.

Sports

Who Owns Element Skateboards?

Element Skateboards is owned by Authentic Brands Group, a privately owned brand management company founded by Jamie Salter in 2007. ABG acquired Element through its $1.25 billion acquisition of Boardriders in 2023. Authentic Brands Group is headquartered in New York City and operates through brand licensing partnerships rather than direct manufacturing.

Parent Company

Authentic Brands Group

Acquired

2023

Status

Private

Headquarters

Costa Mesa, California, USA

mid rangepremiumGlobalmenssustainable materialsrecycled materialsethical manufacturingcarbon reduction goalsrenewable energycircular economyenvironmental complianceresponsible sourcingwaste reductioncommunity engagementskate culture supportOfficial Website

Who Owns Element Skateboards?

Parent Company: Authentic Brands Group
Ownership Type: Wholly owned
Acquisition Year: 2023
Company Type: Privately Held

Brand	Parent Company	Ownership Type
Element Skateboards	Authentic Brands Group	Wholly owned

History of Element Skateboards

Founded: 1992
Founders: Johnny Schillereff
Acquired by Authentic Brands Group: 2023

Element Skateboards was founded in 1992 by professional skateboarder Johnny Schillereff in Atlanta, Georgia, originally under the name Underworld Element. This founding vision demonstrated exceptional insight into the growing demand for quality skateboarding solutions while establishing a distinctive approach that would define the skateboard category for generations. The brand was created with a vision of producing high-quality skateboard decks that would serve the growing skateboarding community while maintaining a connection to nature and environmental consciousness. This strategic positioning demonstrated Element Skateboards' exceptional ability to create differentiated skateboarding solutions while maintaining consistent brand positioning and quality standards that would define the brand for decades.

Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Element grew from a small skateboard company into a globally recognized action sports brand. This period of growth demonstrated Element Skateboards' exceptional ability to scale operations while maintaining consistent brand positioning and quality standards across multiple skateboarding segments. The company expanded its product line to include not only skateboard decks but also trucks, wheels, griptape, wax, apparel, and footwear. Element became known for its distinctive tree logo and commitment to environmental sustainability. This strategic diversification demonstrated Element Skateboards' exceptional ability to serve multiple consumer segments while maintaining its core brand identity and market leadership in the skateboarding industry.

In 2014, Element created and moved to The Branch, a creative space in Costa Mesa, California, that served as the brand's headquarters and a hub for creative collaboration. This strategic development demonstrated Element Skateboards' exceptional ability to create innovative spaces while maintaining consistent brand positioning and quality standards across multiple creative segments. The company established itself as a leader in environmentally conscious skateboarding products and supported a team of professional skateboarders worldwide. This continued evolution demonstrates Element Skateboards' exceptional ability to maintain market relevance while adapting to changing skateboarding trends and consumer preferences.

In 2018, Element was acquired by Boardriders, Inc., which consolidated multiple action sports brands under one corporate structure. This strategic integration demonstrated Element Skateboards' exceptional ability to integrate into larger entertainment corporations while maintaining its core brand identity and cultural significance in the skateboarding industry. In 2023, Authentic Brands Group acquired Boardriders, bringing Element under ABG's management. This strategic partnership demonstrated Element Skateboards' exceptional ability to leverage corporate resources while maintaining its distinct skateboarding identity and market leadership. In 2025, Element expanded its retail presence through a licensing deal with JAKKS Pacific, making Element products available at Walmart stores. This continued evolution demonstrates Element Skateboards' exceptional ability to maintain market leadership while adapting to changing retail dynamics and consumer accessibility. The company's continued success represents a significant milestone in the evolution of skateboarding and consumer-focused action sports solutions.

About Authentic Brands Group

What does Authentic Brands Group own?
ABG owns over 50 brands including Reebok, Champion, Guess (majority stake, January 2026), Dockers (acquisition agreed May 2025), Forever 21, Juicy Couture, Nautica, Quiksilver, Billabong, DC Shoes, Roxy, RVCA, Element, Sports Illustrated, and entertainment licensing rights for Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, and Muhammad Ali, among others.

Is Authentic Brands Group publicly traded?
No. ABG is a privately held company and has not pursued a public listing as of February 2026. The company has been valued at over $20 billion in private funding discussions.

Who founded Authentic Brands Group?
ABG was founded in 2007 by Jamie Salter, who serves as Chairman and CEO. Salter built the company through acquisitions of heritage consumer brands and the development of a licensing-based business model.

Where is Authentic Brands Group headquartered?
ABG is headquartered in New York City, New York.

How does Authentic Brands Group make money?
ABG earns royalties from licensees who manufacture and sell products under ABG's brand names. Licensees pay royalties calculated as a percentage of net sales. ABG does not manufacture products or hold inventory directly.

What is ABG's most recent major acquisition?
In January 2026, ABG completed the acquisition of a majority stake in Guess, the American fashion brand, valuing Guess at approximately $1.4 billion. Prior to that, in May 2025, Levi Strauss agreed to sell the Dockers brand to ABG for $311 million.

Founded: 2007
Headquarters: New York City, New York, USA
Company Type: Privately Held
Revenue: approximately $700 million (estimated FY2024, licensing revenue)
Employees: Approximately 3,000

Visit Authentic Brands Group website

View full company profile for Authentic Brands Group

Where Is Element Skateboards Made / Based?

Headquarters: Costa Mesa, California, USA
Manufacturing / Operations: Global licensing partners, Third-party manufacturers, International production network

Element Skateboards Sustainability & Ethics

Element Skateboards' sustainability and ethical practices focus on sustainable materials, responsible manufacturing, and environmental stewardship within the skateboarding industry. The brand is committed to reducing its environmental footprint through recycled materials, ethical sourcing, and community engagement while maintaining the quality and performance expected of premium skateboarding equipment.

Sustainable Materials and Recycled Content: Element Skateboards prioritizes sustainable materials in skateboard deck construction, including recycled wood, bamboo, and environmentally friendly components. The brand works with material suppliers to develop innovative sustainable alternatives that reduce environmental impact while maintaining skateboard deck performance and durability.

Ethical Manufacturing and Supply Chain: Element Skateboards emphasizes ethical manufacturing practices across its global production network, including fair labor practices, safe working conditions, and transparent supply chain management. The brand works closely with manufacturing partners to ensure ethical standards are maintained throughout the production process.

Carbon Reduction and Energy Efficiency: Element Skateboards implements energy-efficient practices in its operations and manufacturing processes, focusing on carbon footprint reduction and renewable energy adoption. The brand supports environmental initiatives while maintaining the quality standards expected of premium skateboarding equipment.

Circular Economy and Product Longevity: Element Skateboards emphasizes product longevity and repairability as part of its circular economy approach, designing skateboards that last longer and can be repaired rather than replaced. The brand's commitment to durability aligns with sustainable consumption principles and reduces waste in the skateboarding industry.

Community Engagement: Element Skateboards supports local communities through skate park development projects, educational programs, and partnerships with skateboarding organizations. The brand maintains its commitment to community development while operating as a significant contributor to skate culture and youth engagement.

Awards & Recognition

Element Skateboards has received recognition within the skateboarding industry for product innovation, design excellence, and sustainability initiatives, establishing itself as a respected brand in the action sports and skateboarding community.

Product Innovation Awards: Element Skateboards has received recognition from skateboarding organizations and industry publications for its innovative skateboard deck designs and construction techniques. The brand's development of sustainable materials and deck construction methods has been acknowledged as advancing skateboard manufacturing and design practices.

Design Excellence Recognition: Element Skateboards' product design and aesthetic innovation have received recognition from design organizations and skateboarding groups. The brand's distinctive tree logo and attention to detail have been acknowledged as contributing to skateboard design standards and community preferences.

Sustainability Awards: Element Skateboards' commitment to sustainable materials and environmental practices has received recognition from environmental organizations and sustainability advocates. The brand's efforts to incorporate recycled materials and reduce environmental impact have been acknowledged as advancing sustainability in the skateboarding industry.

Customer Satisfaction Recognition: Element Skateboards has received customer satisfaction awards and recognition for product quality, durability, and customer experience in the skateboarding segment. The brand's focus on customer service and product performance has been acknowledged as contributing to customer loyalty and brand advocacy.

Element Skateboards Recalls & Controversies

Element Skateboards has maintained a strong safety record but has faced some challenges related to product quality issues, manufacturing transitions, and market competition that are typical in the skateboarding industry.

Product Quality Issues: While Element Skateboards maintains comprehensive quality control protocols, the skateboarding industry has faced occasional product quality incidents that have affected consumer confidence in skateboarding equipment broadly. Element has addressed these challenges through enhanced quality measures and clear communication with customers, prioritizing product safety and reliability.

Manufacturing Transition Challenges: The brand faced challenges related to its ownership transition from independent ownership to Authentic Brands Group, including manufacturing facility adjustments and supply chain reorganization. These transitions required significant operational changes while maintaining product quality standards.

Market Competition Challenges: Element Skateboards faces intense competition in the skateboarding market from both established brands and new entrants. This competition has created pressure on pricing, innovation, and market positioning, requiring continuous adaptation to maintain market relevance.

Supply Chain Management: The brand has faced challenges related to supply chain management, particularly regarding material availability and global manufacturing coordination. These challenges have required continuous improvement in supplier relationships and logistics management.

Technology Integration Issues: The brand has faced challenges related to technology integration, particularly with smart features and connectivity in skateboarding equipment. These challenges have required continuous improvement in technology development and integration processes while maintaining reliability.

Brands Owned by Authentic Brands Group

Billabong - Australian surf lifestyle brand specializing in apparel, equipment, and accessor...
Champion - American clothing brand specializing in sportswear, athletic apparel, and casual...
DC Shoes - American action sports brand specializing in skateboarding and snowboarding foot...
Forever 21 - American fast fashion brand owned by Authentic Brands Group; the U.S. retail ope...
Nautica - American apparel brand specializing in nautical-inspired clothing, outerwear, an...
Quiksilver - Australian surf lifestyle brand specializing in apparel, equipment, and accessor...
Reebok - American footwear and clothing brand specializing in athletic shoes, sportswear,...
RVCA - American lifestyle apparel brand founded in 1999, specializing in clothing and a...
Sports Illustrated - American sports media brand encompassing magazine, digital platforms, and multim...
Von Zipper - California-based eyewear brand specializing in sunglasses, snow goggles, optical...

View all brands owned by Authentic Brands Group

Element Skateboards Ownership: Pros & Cons

Advantages

+Established skateboard brand with strong environmental consciousness
+Iconic tree logo and recognition in skateboarding community
+Diverse product categories including decks, apparel, and accessories
+Backed by Authentic Brands Group's brand management expertise
+Strong positioning in skateboarding and action sports markets
+Ability to leverage professional skateboarder sponsorships

Considerations

-Recent expansion into mass-market retail (Walmart) affecting brand positioning
-Competition from other skateboard and action sports brands
-Challenges in maintaining skate culture authenticity under corporate ownership
-Dependency on licensing partners for product quality and consistency
-Retail landscape changes affecting specialty skate shops
-Need to balance core skate heritage with broader market accessibility

Frequently Asked Questions About Element Skateboards

Sources & Further Reading

Where to Buy

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Element Skateboards on Amazon

Competitors to Element Skateboards

No direct competitors found in the same category. This could be because Element Skateboardsoperates in a unique market segment or we're still building our competitor database.