NEWBURY PARK, Calif. (BRAIN) — Giant USA has hired three people to fill vacancies in its sales department, and promoted one employee in quality assurance.
Eric Woods of Denver has been hired as regional sales manager for the Southwest.
"Eric is an industry veteran who has spent enough time to know what it takes to drive our brand forward," said executive sales director John Thompson. Woods joins Giant with sales experience with Shimano, NEMA, and Specialized. Woods will supervise and manage five Giant account executives in the Southwest.
Giant USA also hired two new account executives. Brian Trader, a veteran of high-tech hardware and software sales, has joined Giant as account executive for Arizona, New Mexico, and El Paso. Brian Sheedy is now Giant's account executive for Georgia, Tennessee, and North and South Carolina. A former pro road, 'cross, and mountain bike racer, Sheedy most recently has been the head coach of the Brevard College Cycling Team.
Evan Kay has been promoted to after sales tech rep in Giant's quality assurance department. Kay spent almost six years on the road as the Giant Tech Demo Rep, visiting Giant retailers throughout the U.S.
Giant also announced the departure of two employees in recent weeks.
Scott Helvie, who has been with Giant USA for almost 10 years, most recently as the regional sales manager for central U.S., is leaving the company to transition into an ownership role with Bicycle Garage of Indy. "It's been one of the most difficult decisions of my career to step away from my role at Giant," Helvie said. "Giant has enhanced my life and my career, so the people and the company will always hold a special place in my heart. Everyone has so much to be proud of—Giant has incredible momentum that will lead to great success in 2014. I wish you all the best."
Josh Fonner, most recently Giant’s regional manager for retail services in the Western U.S., has left the company after more than 7 years. He’s moving to Colorado to become the U.S. bike sales manager for POC Sports.
