[DRB]

http://www.cyclingnews.com/tech.php?id=tech/2006/news/09-21

David Pfeiffer has been named the new president of Shimano American Corporation, effective December 1, 2006. Pfeiffer is a long-time Shimano sales and management executive having served as executive vice president of North American operations since 2000. As president, Pfeiffer will now be in charge of all bicycle component and fishing tackle business in the US and Canada in addition to sales and marketing in the Caribbean, Central America, and South America.

According to current SAC president Kozo Shimano, Pfeiffer has "extensive experience in all phases of our business, having been involved in regional and national sales, marketing, product development and administration. His leadership for our U.S. fishing tackle division has brought us both sales growth and added respect among anglers and retailers for the quality and dependability of our rods and reels."

Kozo Shimano will assume a vice presidency position that addresses his increasing personal interest in corporate advocacy and public relations. Kozo Shimano has already forged productive partnerships with the US Bureau of Land Management, the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus and Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation, as well as cycling-specific groups including the International Mountain Biking Association and the League of American Bicyclists. In addition, Kozo Shimano currently serves on the executive committee of the board of directors for the Bikes Belong Coalition.

"My move into a corporate advocacy and public relations role focuses on our global mission statement - To promote health and happiness through the enjoyment of nature and the world around us," said Kozo Shimano. "We feel it is extremely important that our efforts to grow the interest and participation in bicycling and fishing worldwide, and our involvement with user groups, trade associations and government agencies in those efforts, are spearheaded by someone directly connected to the Shimano family."

Ultimately, Kozo Shimano may be stepping away somewhat from the day-to-day business operations of the company his family created in 1921, but he will remain involved in senior management decisions during the transition period. On a larger scale, though, his new role may indeed prove to have a longer term impact, for both Shimano as well as the rest of the industry.

While the Shimano sucks / rules debate is rampant with no real answer, I can only imagine good things coming from Kozo focusing on advocacy issues with the resources that Shimano brings to the table. Good for him seeing the importance of these issues.

 

[MikeD]

Whew. I thought this was going to be required, not a mere change to VP:

What a relief.

 

[brungeman]

http://www.cyclingnews.com/tech.php?id=tech/2006/news/09-21



While the Shimano sucks / rules debate is rampant with no real answer, I can only imagine good things coming from Kozo focusing on advocacy issues with the resources that Shimano brings to the table. Good for him seeing the importance of these issues.

I couldn't agree more! The product is quality the choice is personal pref. His choice to focus the funds and attention toward doing good, instead of fattening their own personal pockets may direct people on the fence about which products to by, in the direction of Shimano more often!

good for him and the company.... I don't however think that this should be looked at as a demotion!