Chris Smith will join Specialized Bicycles as General Manager of its USA Sales division. Chris comes from a solid background in specialty bicycle retail. In 1980, along with partner Clay Mankin, they opened Hickory Hill Bicycle Shop in Memphis TN and in 1983 they opened a second location in mid-town Memphis. In 1987 Chris and Clay opened City Cycle of San Francisco. Later, after selling his interest in the store to his partner Chris worked at Avocet before moving on to RockShox in 1991. After seven years at RockShox Chris went to work at Giant USA where he rose to the position of Vice President. A longtime cycling enthusiast, he still turns a pretty good wrench, according to industry insiders.
“Chris is an exceptionally smart and creatively gifted executive with tremendous
analytical abilities”, said Sinyard in announcing the placement. “With his
extensive dealer background and focus on execution, he is the perfect leader to
help us accomplish our mission of becoming the product of choice for the
discerning customers and dealers and the supplier of choice to the full-service
dealer”.
“I am very excited to bring my experience to the Specialized team,” Chris said
in accepting the position. “The Specialized brand potential is enormous, and I
am confident that we can help realize it by focusing on business processes,
execution, and customer service to our retailers.”
Chris will be responsible for overall P&L and Operations, overseeing Sales,
Credit, Channel Marketing, and internal Operations at Specialized USA. He
reports directly to Specialized Founder and President Mike Sinyard. John “JT”
Thompson will remain as National Sales Manager, working closely with Chris on
strategic initiatives including product direction and account development.
