Accell North America unveiled the new sales organization that will represent its recently reorganized businesses, including Raleigh and Lapierre bicycles and distributor Seattle Bike Supply.
The new ANA sales leadership team reflects a restructuring of the Raleigh America and Lapierre North America bicycle brands and the leadership of the Seattle Bike Supply (SBS) business. Four directors of sales will be responsible for leading specific segments of the ANA business. All will report to George Simone, VP of IBD sales for ANA.
“The restructuring of Raleigh and SBS to create the Accell North America sales management team means comprehensive support for the IBD,” Simone said. “We’ve strengthened our team by redefining roles and adding sales-oriented leaders with invaluable and varied industry experience, ensuring the best partnership for our dealers.”
John O’Brien will take on the role of ANA’s Western director of sales. Most recently, O’Brien was Western Regional Sales Manager at Jamis Bicycles, where he was responsible for all U.S. markets west of the Mississippi. He joins the ANA team with over 20 years experience as a sales professional and specialization in educating sales forces and customers.
Dorothy Nichols joins the team as ANA’s director of sales for Parts and Accessories. Nichols has worked at Yeti Cycles, managing its professional mountain bike team; Catalyst Communication, where she was in charge of sponsorship and event organization for the Bicycle Business Conference; and Todson as the Director of Event Management and Product Manager for Allay Saddles. She also helped start USA Cycling’s original National Off-Road Bicycle Association. Named one of ”50 Influential Women Driving the Business” in 2014 by Bicycle Retailer and Industry News, Nichols is also part of the Executive Women in Cycling on the OIWC Advisory Council.
Alan Rowland moves into a new role as Director of Sales for Lapierre. Rowland has an intimate understanding of the Lapierre strategy for the U.S. market and a deep background in managing sales of high-performance specialty brands. The move gives additional focus to Lapierre dealers, enabling them to be highly successful selling Lapierre’s exceptional and innovative products and heritage.
Tyler Stetson will take on the role of Inside Sales Manager for ANA. Stetson started with Raleigh America as Customer Service Representative and then moved into the role of Territory Manager with great success, focused on the Midwest territory. Stetson managed Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa. Stetson’s unique understanding of inside sales and customer service, along with his outside experience and systems knowledge, makes him an ideal candidate for the new Inside Sales Manager role.
Jeff Hasse will continue in his role as ANA Director of Sales for the Eastern United States. Jeff joined ANA four years ago, after a successful career with Trek. Jeff originally held the Territory Manager position for Georgia and North Carolina. After delivering strong results in his first two years, Hasse was promoted to Eastern Director of Sales in the spring of 2013.
Accell North America is the North American business entity of Accell Group, NV, Europe’s leading bicycle company. Accell North America, located in Kent, Wash., is completely focused on growing the specialty bike business by providing excellence in customer service, product innovation, profitability and brand marketing on the regional and national level.
