PINOLE, Calif. (BRAIN) — Onetime Shimano American Corp. communications director Russ Johnson has been hired as vice president of Wren Sports LLC, the IBD-exclusive bike and accessory brand recently founded by industry veteran Kevin Wren.
“I was shocked when Russ said he would consider working with me to build up Wren Sports,” said Wren, former OEM sales manager at Shimano. “We both had the privilege to work directly for and learn from Yoshi during the early years of Shimano in the USA.”
Johnson, most recently vice president at design and print production company Nordicom, said: “I’ve known Kevin since 1980 and have followed his success after Shimano with the CODA/Magic Motorcycle products for Cannondale through his development and sourcing work for Bell Sports brands Blackburn, Rhode Gear and Vista Lite. I am very excited to be back in the industry working with Kevin. I firmly believe Wren Sports’ products, strong dealer margins and strict MAP policy program will be exciting to independent retailers as well.”
Johnson can be reached at russ.johnson@wrensportsllc.com.
Wren Sports will launch its line of carbon fiber frames and forks, hitch- and trunk-mount car racks, saddles and a line of carbon fiber components at next month’s Interbike trade show, Booth 10012.
Wren Sports also represents North America Cycles in the U.S. and Laterelle seats globally through its network of independent sales representatives and distributors.
