SCOTTS VALLEY, CA (BRAIN)—Giro Bike has named Dain Zaffke as its new brand manager. He starts on April 14.
Zaffke will oversee Giro’s expanded helmet line, which includes the Tour de France winning Prolight, off-road favorite Xen helmet and a number of innovative products to be launched in the second-half of 2010.
“Dain is an incredibly passionate cyclist and he’s proven his ability to build a brand that speaks to all types of riders,” said Tom Larter, vice president of Easton Sports. “We’re looking forward to Dain becoming an integral part of our hard working team here at Giro.”
While Zaffke will oversee marketing for Giro helmets, longtime Giro veteran Eric Richter will serve as brand manager for Giro optics, gloves and new product categories. Mark Riedy and his team at True Communications will back up Zaffke and Richter as Giro’s agency for media and public relations.
Zaffke has more than 12 years of experience in the cycling industry, including marketing, publishing, sales and service. He most recently worked at Wilderness Trail Bikes (WTB), where he served as marketing manager.
Earlier in his career, Zaffke worked as an editor at Bike Magazine, where he edited tech reviews. He also served on the front lines: wrenching as a team mechanic for a Region Trek Volkswagen Race Team and selling bikes for Cycle Werks in Orange County, California.
“Working for a brand like Giro will be super exciting,” Zaffke said. “They’ve got a great team of people, one of the most respected brands in cycling and they’re the gold standard for innovation and quality.”
Zaffke will effectively begin his work with Giro at the Sea Otter Classic, April 15 to 18, in Monterey, California.
