BENTONVILLE, Ark. (BRAIN) — Allied Cycle Works has named Brendan Quirk as its new interim CEO. Quirk is an industry veteran who cofounded Competitive Cyclist in Arkansas and later served as an executive vice president at Backcountry.com, North American president of Rapha, and most recently as the cycling program director for Runway Group, tasked with bringing cycling brands to Northwest Arkansas and making the area a magnet for bike tourism.
Quirk replaces Sam Pickman, who served as CEO since Tony Karklins left the company last fall. Pickman returns to his previous role as head of product and enginering, as Allied's Chief Product Officer. Karklins and Allied recently settled a lawsuit that Karklins had filed after his dismissal.
Runway Group, Quirk's most recent employer, is owned by Tom and Steuart Walton, grandsons of Walmart founder Sam Walton. The brothers also are investors in Allied and own Rapha.
Quirk said Allied is building momentum with the recent launch of its Able gravel frame, which was ridden to victory in both the men's and women's races at the Dirty Kanza 200, the same weekend it was launched.
"Being a startup is an uphill battle," Quirk said. "But in the last few months, Allied has really broken through.
"The success of the Able proves that our foundation is in place ... The market is responding, the momentum is tangible, and I'm excited to be part of the future here."
