IRVINE, CA (BRAIN)—Shimano NA has created a new Retail Services Department with a focus on addressing and improving every aspect of the company’s service support to dealers in North America.
Shimano NA’s Penina Bush, who was vice president, will lead the cycle division’s new department.
“This is a more focused effort on our relationship with the retailer,” Bush said on why this new department was created. “We didn’t have the structure set up appropriately to focus here. Instead of reactive services I want to take a proactive approach.” Reporting to Bush will be customer service, multi service and tech reps.
Bush said the department’s main focus will be Shimano’s direct relationship with its retailer partners at all levels: from the owner, to the store manager, to the sales staff, and to the shops’ service and tech support personnel. “We’ll implement programs to not only support aftermarket sales, but also to address service needs for Shimano components found on the various brands of bicycles sold by dealers,” she said.
In a related move, Yutaka “YT” Taniyama will relocate from Shimano’s corporate headquarters in Sakai City, Japan, to Irvine, California, becoming the new vice president. His career with Shimano covers more than 15 years, including five years with Shimano Europe as area sales manager for the UK and Italian markets.
“YT will provide our division with an added advantage from the knowledge and guidance he can share from his recent assignment with our main office,” Pfeiffer said. “We look forward to utilizing his global experience in both our OEM and aftermarket businesses to grow Shimano’s relationships with our U.S. customers.”
For more on this story including Bush’s thoughts on what new programs might be implemented, be sure to read the July 15 issue of Bicycle Retailer and Industry News.
—Jason Norman
