Following three successful years as
vice president of sales for Specialized USA, Blair Clark has accepted a
position as senior vice president of sales with Smith Optics, effective
immediately. Clark will be responsible for the company’s global sales vision
and strategy.

“The whole Smith team shares my excitement and would like to welcome Blair,”
said Ned Post, president of Smith Optics. “Blair will bring strong
leadership to the Smith sales equation and will add a strategic and tactical
component to the team. His vast experience, creativity and organization are
going to be instrumental in the future success of the company.”

While Clark will contribute to Action Optics, Carrera and the company’s
other private label brands, his primary focus will be on the Smith brand and
its eyewear business domestically and worldwide. He will lead the company in
the development of a sales vision and strategy, oversee sales forecasting
and identify and pursue new market opportunities while enhancing sales plans
and programs for all areas of business. Clark replaces Vince Baertschi who
retired earlier this year. Clark will be making his first tradeshow
appearance with Smith Optics at Interbike next month.

Clark comes to Smith Optics with an extensive professional background.
Coincidentally, Clark and Ned Post, president of Smith Optics, worked
together as a successful team eleven years ago. Throughout his career, Clark
has gained a wealth of experience. He was a key element in the dramatic
turnaround of his division at Specialized and led the US division to record
levels of sales and profitability. He helped the company upgrade their
staff, raised customer service levels and increased its overall business.
Prior to that, Clark was President of at Giro Sport Design/Bell Sports where
he successfully introduced developed new product categories including
wintersport helmets and implemented new manufacturing strategies to increase
profitability.

“I have always wanted to return to work for Ned and I’m more than excited
for the opportunities that lie ahead,” said Clark. He added, “I’m also
excited to make the move to Ketchum with my family. It is a magic place to
raise our kids, where the schools are better and the skiing is exceptional.”