NEWBURY PARK, CA (BRAIN)--After eight years as president of Giant Bicycle, Skip Hess is leaving the company. His last day will be tomorrow.
In the short term, Hess plans to take an extended personal sabbatical to travel, explore and start working on what he calls his "TTDBYD" ("Things To Do Before You Die") list.
“Since I have no plans on dying just yet, I felt strongly that this was the summer to get started. My health is good, my family is waiting, so into the sun I go," Hess said.
During Hess’ tenure at Giant, annual revenue has gone from $30 million to more than $100 million. Tony Lo, President of Giant Global Group, praised Hess’ time with the company, saying, "We would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to Skip for his great achievement of building the Giant brand onto one of the top three brands in United States.” Lo added, “Skip has been a great friend and a wonderful business partner. He accepted all challenges—no matter how difficult—and always accomplished them with his own unique style.”
“I’ve spent the last 27 years in the bike business and I have never been so grateful for the opportunity that Giant offered me,” Hess said. "The trust, inspiration and support from the entire Giant family this last eight years have been amazing. I am honored to have been able to work with and learn from such a great group of dedicated individuals. I am confident that they are headed to even greater heights and accomplishments."
Hess also expressed his deepest thanks and respect to all the Giant retailers and partners that have allowed him to share the last eight and a half years of great accomplishments and memories.
Check out the Aug 15 issue of Bicycle Retailer & Industry News for complete coverage on this story.
