PORTLAND, OR (BRAIN) — Rapha has hired Hillary Benjamin to become the London-based company's head of North American marketing and sales. Benjamin is a former vice president of marketing for Dorel Industries' Cycle Sports Group. She is also a former senior director of marketing for Equinox Fitness Clubs.
Benjamin replaces Slate Olson, who is moving to London to become chief marketing officer for the company. Benjamin will oversee the North American Rapha offices, which includes an eight-person staff in Portland and one staffer in New York City, as well as the San Francisco Cycle Club and soon-to-open New York City Cycle Club. She starts July 1.
"Rapha has been growing at a brisk pace since we set our North American roots in Portland in 2008," said Olson. “We have even greater growth expectations for our North American business and recognize that we need a strong, experienced business leader who can put 100 percent focus on this market as I transition to a global role based in London. Bringing Hillary in to drive our business and further define the brand is an exciting step to ensure our future. Her experience in the luxury space, online marketing, retail and her knowledge and passion for cycling gives us a lot of confidence.”
Benjamin is a Marin County, California, native who said she is eager to return to the West Coast.
