Raleigh America announced the appointment of Steve Meineke as president and chief operating officer to drive the company’s rejuvenated brands, products, services and marketing direction.

Meineke is an avid cyclist and skier with more than 25 years of executive experience in the sporting goods industry. Most recently he served as president of Equus Marketing & Design in Costa Mesa, Calif. – an internationally known marketing and design firm with deep roots in building leading brands in the sports equipment, optical, apparel and accessory industries. Previously he served as chief executive officer of Mission Hockey, president of Specialized USA, president of Nordica Sportsystem North America, vice president sales and marketing for Vuarnet-France and as the North American marketing manager for Salomon North America.

“Raleigh has an exciting and solid future ahead of it,” Meineke said. “I intend to work closely with Bill Austin and our team in Kent [Wash.], and leading independent bicycle dealers to build momentum with Raleigh’s brand heritage by introducing new products and marketing programs, and provide the highest level of dealer services.”

“Everyone in the U.S. has owned a Raleigh or knows someone who has one,” he said. “It’s an authentic built-to-last brand with a well-known tradition of excellence. The company is turning out some of the industry’s best designs and is still maintaining its heritage and reputation for value and performance. The timing is ideal to come in and push the brand to regain its position as the market leader.”