Business people : Pearl Izumi Promotes O'Connor to Replace Eckmann

Pearl Izumi promoted Mike O’Connor from the position of vice president of consumer service, retail and distribution to divisional president. He will replace Juergen Eckmann, who has announced his departure, effective April 1, 2013.

After more than 11 years with Pearl Izumi, one of the world’s leading creators of Cycling, Running and Triathlon footwear and apparel; Eckmann informed Pearl Izumi employees of his decision in a company-wide meeting, saying, “Together with Shimano, Pearl has achieved unprecedented growth in revenue and is set to move into its new home next year. I am beyond grateful. It is impossible to count the blessings I have received over my years at Pearl Izumi and Shimano. I am humbled by the professionalism and generosity of everyone I have had the good fortune to work with at this amazing company.”

O’Connor has had a long career in retail and worked with numerous retailers as a consultant with both Deloitte Touche and KPMG/Bearingpoint. He graduated with a BS Degree from John Carroll University and earned his MBA from Case Western University’s Weatherhead School of Management. He has been with Pearl Izumi for nine years and is a longstanding member of Pearl Izumi’s Executive Committee.
  “The Pearl Izumi tradition of excellence is unmatched in the industry,” said O’Connor. “I plan to continue our relentless focus on crafting great products, on servicing and maintaining our unique emotional connection with our consumers, and really building on our strong relationships with our core channel of independent cycling and specialty running retailers. We have not only the best cycling, running and tri products and footwear available to athletes, but some of the finest, most talented team members in the industry, so I’m incredibly grateful to be a part of that team.”

Dave Pfeiffer, president of Shimano America, added, “I am thankful to Juergen for the tireless effort he has given in not only building Pearl Izumi into a leading performance cycling, running and triathlon brand; but also in his efforts to grow the brand internationally and also function as a key leader within Shimano. He will be missed but I also have great confidence in Mike and the entire team at Pearl Izumi and have great expectations for their future growth and success. “
The change at the top of Pearl comes in advance of the company building a new headquarters in Louisville, CO. The company broke ground on the new headquarters last week and the 55,000 square-foot, energy-efficient facility is expected to open in the fall of 2013.

Pearl Izumi is a wholly owned subsidiary of Shimano American Corporation, located in Irvine, CA.

( SportsOneSource Media )