LOUISVILLE, CO (BRAIN) — Juergen Eckmann is stepping down as president of Pearl Izumi, the company announced Tuesday, after 11 years with the company. Eckmann will be replaced by Mike O'Connor, who is being promoted from vice president of consumer service, retail & distribution. Pearl Izumi is a division of Shimano.
Eckmann announced his departure to company employees this week. He will stay with the company until April 1, 2013.
“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,” Eckmann said.
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.
“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.
The company broke ground last week on a new headquarters building in Louisville. The building will open next fall.
