SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA (BRAIN) Monday May 14 2012 11:40 AM MT—Trade show producer Interbike has hired Justin Gottlieb as director of communications and public relations, effective this Wednesday.
Gottlieb is a former sales manager at American Bicycle Group and also worked for Baby Jogger and has consulted for several IBDs. He has a degree in public relations and worked for several New York City PR firms early in his career. He also earned an MBA from Averett University in Richmond, Virginia.
Gottlieb replaces Rich Kelly, who was with Interbike for more than six years and was let go late last week.
Gottlieb will be responsible for all public relations and communications efforts for Interbike, the Health+ Fitness Business Expo and the recently launched IBD Summit. Gottlieb will also be responsible for coordinating education at the show as well as all on-site media support. He will report to Interbike's managing director, Pat Hus.
“Justin has great relationships throughout the industry and was a key team member for me during my tenure at ABG,” said Hus. “His PR background and training, along with his sales skills are exactly what I was looking for to lead our communications efforts. Our team is super solid now with Elayna Caldwell as our marketing director and Mike Quilliam in support we are poised to continue the excitement we started last year at Interbike.”
Kelly said he had no immediate plans.
"I'm extremely proud of the work that I did during my time with Interbike," he said in an email to BRAIN. "From creating the Media Center at the show, to launching Interbike's social media presence, building relationships with key industry groups, and more, it's been my honor to help shape the bike industry's key event.
"During the six and a half years I was there, we added many innovations that strengthened the brand, helped keep it relevant and attracted record numbers of retailers. I'm excited to be starting on the next adventure in my life and have nothing but respect for the team I leave at Interbike and wish them the best."
Interbike is owned by Nielsen Company. NBDA Services Inc., a division of the National Bicycle Retailer Association, operates Bicycle Retailer & Industry News under license from Nielsen.
