Daiwa Corporation announced it promoted National Accounts Manager Gerad Cawhorn to national sales manager.

Cawhorn is a 14-year Daiwa veteran and the move is expected to strengthen the company’s position in the United States and Canadian recreational fishing market.

“With our national sales meeting and the 2022 ICAST Show already just around the corner, it’s my great pleasure to make this announcement,” said Carey Graves, president, Daiwa North American operations. “Gerad has played a key part in the changes and growth of our brands during his career here, and we expect that trend to continue going forward as he assumes his new role. His great attitude, dedication and natural ability to lead made him an easy choice for national sales manager.”

According to Graves, Cawhorn has worked in multiple positions in his Daiwa career from regional sales manager to national accounts manager. He said, “I know in his new role he will continue to build upon his strengths while leading the sales team to new heights through his drive to win, natural ability to make good decisions and dedication to our brands and this industry. I’m looking forward to seeing him help lead Daiwa into the future.”

As a Regional Sales Manager for Daiwa, Cawhorn worked with West Coast businesses, expanded to the TALO states and eventually, Canadian territories. As national accounts manager, his focus was on core sales and working with larger vendors in the recreational fishing industry, including Bass Pro Shops, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Tackle Warehouse, Sportsman’s Warehouse, and Amazon, plus company’s in the brick-and-mortar and internet spaces.

“I’m really looking forward to taking on this new leadership role,” said Cawhorn, who noted that his various positions at Daiwa have provided him with keen insight and a well-rounded background for working with everyone from independent dealers to mid-sized and major customers. “I want to help our customers at every level grow their businesses with Daiwa being a key partner in their success. At the same time, we want to ensure our end users fully enjoy every aspect of putting their Daiwa gear to the test on the water day after day—whether that be in a freshwater, inshore or offshore environment.”

Photo courtesy Gerad Cawhorn