Blackwell will succeed Chuck Hooper as president of SBS, according to a statement issued by Hooper and Jeroen SnijdersBlok, COO of SBS parent Accell Group NV.
Blackwell is a cycling enthusiast who comes to SBS from a 15-year tenure with Lemans Corporation, parent company of Parts Unlimited. At Parts Unlimited, he directed sales and marketing to successfully build the world’s largest distributor of powersport aftermarket parts and accessories.
Blackwell has an extremely parts-intensive background and has earned a strong reputation for emphasizing customer service. Additionally, he was highly involved in the overall direction and furthering of the successful Icon, Thor, Slippery, Moose, Z1R, Arctiva and AMS powersports brands.
“I am excited to welcome Greg as the new president of SBS - we couldn’t have found a better fit,” said Hooper. “Greg has a demonstrated passion for cycling, building brands and doing business with specialty dealers. He’s well known for creative sales leadership and will bring incredible value to a well run business with a legacy for excellent dealer service.”
SBS enters its 39th year in 2013 with a strong plan for growth in both its parts distribution business and for continuing innovation with its stand-alone brands.
“SBS is a global leader in the bike industry and has an amazing team with a strong vision and energy for the future,” said Blackwell. “SBS is a company that I highly respect - it represents deep roots, integrity and innovation and prioritizes specialty retail relationships. I couldn’t be more excited to join the team.”
Blackwell will work closely with Hooper in the transition of leadership. Hooper will formally step away from his role in May of this year and will continue in a directional role within the corporate leadership of SBS for the foreseeable future.
“After 28 years at Seattle Bike Supply, the last 20 years as President, it will take awhile to hand everything over and I would not feel right stepping down until everyone felt comfortable in their new roles,” said Hooper. “I am looking forward to retirement time but will be available to SBS and Accell to work on special projects after I step down as President.”
Seattle Bike Supply is an International wholesale distributor of bicycles and bike components. SBS distributes tens of thousands of bike parts and accessories, from over 150 of the most innovative bike brands on the market. The company sells exclusively to bicycle dealers and has four warehouse locations in the United States. SBS owns four proprietary brands – Redline, Torker, Pryme and XLC. The company is also the exclusive U.S. distributors for Lapierre Cycles, WeThePeople, Macneil, BeBop pedals and Basil bags. Seattle Bike Supply (SBS) was founded in 1974 by Terry Heller.
Accell Group is active internationally in the mid-range and higher segments of the market for bicycles, bicycle parts and accessories and fitness equipment. The group is the European market leader in bicycles. The Accell Group is driven to surpass its reputation for ‘quality’, ‘innovation’ and creating ‘recognizable added value.’ Taking responsibility in producing durable products and actively responding to social and demographic developments in the fields of environment and health are an integral part of Accell Group’s strategy. For consumers this translates into a broad and strong portfolio of brands, including international top brands and well-known national brands, often with a long history. Accell Group’s best-known brands are Atala, Batavus, Diamondback, Ghost, Haibike, Hercules, Koga, Lapierre, Loekie, Raleigh, Redline, Sparta, Tunturi, Winora and XLC. The company operates close to the market and taking into account the high added value and numerous innovations offered, sales primarily takes place via the specialist retail trade. Accell Group shares are traded on the official market of the NYSE Euronext in Amsterdam and included in the Amsterdam Small Cap Index (AScX).
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