LAGUNA HILLS, Calif. (BRAIN) — Bicycle Retailer and Industry News is responding to increased interest in digital delivery of industry news and information by hiring Colin O'Brien as digital director. O'Brien will assume a leadership role in developing and executing digital strategy to enhance and expand BRAIN's digital media platforms.
"As our audience and our advertisers request that we deliver more of our content digitally, we are putting greater focus on enhancing and expanding our digital properties to deliver content in new ways. The digital world is always evolving, so we're bringing on Colin to help us stay ahead of the curve," said Megan Tompkins, the magazine's publisher.
"Our advertising partners will benefit from his extensive digital expertise as well, as Colin will help us offer more digital advertising options, increase online engagement and measure the effectiveness of brand campaigns."
O'Brien is passionate about the intersection of publishing, design and technology and brings broad experience to BRAIN. O'Brien is already familiar with its inner workings, having been contracted to redesign, develop and maintain the most recent version of bicycleretailer.com as well as contribute graphic design for the Interbike Show Dailies for the past seven years.
Besides contract work for BRAIN, O'Brien has worked with multiple digital agencies and through his own consultancy to design and develop web platforms, execute audience engagement campaigns, and strategically leverage the latest technology to increase revenue for publishing clients such as High Country News, Mountain Gazette, Gear Institute and Paddling Life. O'Brien is also a skilled photographer and videographer.
"Working with the staff of Bicycle Retailer in various capacities over the last 10 years, I recognize the passion and depth of knowledge the entire team brings to the bike industry," O'Brien said. "I am excited to join the team full time to build on the work we have already completed and look forward to delivering new approaches for storytelling, connecting retailers and suppliers, and creating innovative ways to help brands and advertisers reach more of their target audience."
In addition, BRAIN will realign sales territories as two longtime sales reps have left the magazine. Peter Kirkpatrick (PK) has retired after 26 years as the Northwest sales rep for the magazine. Gary Newkirk has moved on after six years with the magazine handling sales in the Southwest, as well as having sales and marketing responsibilities.
"PK sold ads into the very first issue of Bicycle Retailer and has been instrumental to its success over many years. Gary added value in various capacities including sales, marketing and photography. We are grateful for their contributions to the magazine and to the clients they served," Tompkins said.
Advertising inquiries for brands on the West Coast can be directed to Tompkins at mtompkins@bicycleretailer.com.
