NEW YORK (BRAIN) — Eddy Merckx Cycles USA has hired several new employees, including a new sales manager and director, as it transitions from consumer direct sales to IBD sales.
Peter Vanham, who had led the consumer direct sales program for two years, is leaving the brand. "I'm happy to have contributed to the re-ignition of the brand in the USA and leave confident that the project is in good hands," Vanham said.
Phillip Lucas is joining the company as the new director for North and South America. Lucas had been working for the company as a consultant and Europe and is the former U.S. brand manager for Rotor.
"By re-inventing itself, Eddy Merckx cycles has struck a chord with the market," said Lucas. "It's exciting to re-launch a brand with such a strong legacy in the USA."
Heather Rizzi, who joined the company in March in customer service, has been promoted to national sales manager. Rizzi spent 8 years as the general manager of a bike/ski shop in upstate New York and is well known from prior national level competition in endurance mountain bike racing.
Rob Beset, CEO of Eddy Merckx Cycles, said the new strategy was well received by retailers at this fall's Interbike Expo. “We increased pre-book sales 400 percent over 2014 and achieved our dealer volume goals at the show itself. This made it clear it was time to bolster our team,” Beset said.
