BERKELEY, CA (BRAIN)—Clif Bar & Company has hired Mike Valvano as national sales manager of the sports retail channel.
Valvano has more than 15 years of experience in the outdoor, bike and luggage industries. He brings to Clif Bar & Company proven leadership in strategy, sales, marketing, operations and customer relationships. As national sales manager of the sports retail channel, Valvano will be responsible for managing relationships with key specialty retailers and overseeing the company’s nationwide network of reps.
“As a recreational athlete I have long admired Clif Bar’s products and the company’s social and environmental mission," Valvano said. “I look forward to growing the company’s sports retail division and introducing more athletes to Clif Bar & Company’s outstanding products.”
Prior to joining Clif Bar & Company, Valvano was general manager and president of Overland Equipment. He has also held sales and marketing positions at a variety of outdoor and lifestyle companies, including Timbuk2, Mountainsmith and Kelty. Valvano holds a B.A. from the University of Colorado.
“Clif Bar & Company’s history and success are rooted in sports specialty,” said Scott Whipps, Clif Bar & Company’s vice president of sports retail. “As we continue to develop innovative new products for the athletes and outdoor enthusiasts who shop at these retailers, we need outstanding sales leadership to ensure that we get the right products to the right places with the best customer service possible. Mike brings the experience and creativity to help us get there.”
