LAGUNA HILLS, CA (BRAIN)—After seven years as the magazine’s editor, Megan Tompkins is leaving Bicycle Retailer and Industry News to join Shimano’s OEM sales team. Her last day with the magazine will be June 24.
"Imagine my surprise when Megan told me that she was about to leave, join Shimano, and become an OEM sales person," said Marc Sani, the magazine's publisher. "But I have to say, after thinking about it for a moment, what a great opportunity for Megan to see and work in a completely different role within the bicycle industry—an industry that she truly loves. She's been a marvelous editor over the past seven years and has raised our profile within the industry. So filling her shoes will be difficult," he said.
"Shimano is a great company with great products, and it's a compliment to Megan and to our staff that she will soon join them. We're going to miss her, but I suspect we will stay in touch," Sani added.
“I’m proud of the progress the staff made during my tenure in increasing the print and digital impact of the magazine throughout the global bike business. I’ve had an incredible run at BRAIN and the magazine has afforded me an exceptional chance to learn the bike business at a high level and work with brands across the entire the industry spectrum. Now I'm excited to take the knowledge I've gained and apply it in a new capacity,” said Tompkins.
“This is an amazing opportunity to work for Shimano to build upon my existing skillsets. I’m looking forward to working at the OEM brand level and getting down to the brass tacks of the bike business,” she added.
Tompkins will join the OEM sales team at Shimano where she will be responsible for expanding the Shimano brand and working closely with customers to meet their goals.
“Megan’s strong industry relationships and extensive market knowledge make her a great fit for Shimano,” said Jeff Young, senior manager sales bike division. “Her comprehensive understanding of product and business trends will make her a real asset for Shimano—and our customers.”
