After much anticipation, Canyon Bikes officially announced the launch of its consumer-direct online marketplace for the USA today.
Even in Germany, Canyon has always taken the path of consumer-direct sales, which they say both streamlines costs and makes for a more efficient management model, that is passed on to the consumer by offering premium bikes at a more competitive price.
Canyon USA employees 20 people across its operations, sales and IT departments.
The company has brought on former Specialized manager Keith Hnatiuk as its director of operations, former Castelli USA sales manager Katie Araujo as inside sales manager, and international IT expert Malek Awar as its IT manager.
Canyon has also brought on eight inside sales agents and four bike mechanics as well.
“Whether it’s Keith’s insights, Katie’s drive, Malek’s technical support, or the diverse skills of the rest of the staff, we are set up Canyon USA to be the best bike company,” said Blair Clark, the president of Canyon USA.
Hnatiuk previously had a fifteen-year stint with Specialized, serving in a variety of roles such as strategic planning and product line management. Prior to Specialized, he worked as an investment manager and as a controller.
“Keith has a very curious analytical mindset which will serve us well as we scale. His depth of understanding of the business model and the market conditions make Keith a unicorn for us” said Thomas Baumann, the general manager of Canyon USA.
Araujo’s most recent job, was leading Castello’s regional custom and team sales at Castelli USA. Prior to that, she worked in sales and marketing management roles at A-Line, SPY Optic, and Emerald Connect.
She is also an accomplished triathlete, who recently competed at the Ironman World Championships and the ABSA Cape Epic.
“Katie is a competitor, the perfect blend of missionary and mercenary that we need to drive Canyon USA inside sales,” said Clark.
Awar previously led IT operations at Premiere Services, and has been responsible for an IT Group of 75 people across 15 countries.
“We are so grateful for Malek’s contribution and he could not be more perfect for our US business needs,” said Baumann.
Canyon will ship all of its bikes from the company’s Chico, California-based warehouse, while its new US headquarters will operate out of Carlsbad, California.
Canyon will initially offer a limited number of models for the US market, only about a quarter of its lineup, with the goal of eventually bringing their full range of bikes to these shores.
Canyon
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