HILDEBRAN, NC; MONTREAL, Quebec (BRAIN)—Gene DiMenna has joined DeFeet International as its national sales manager. DiMenna spent several years leading segments of Trek Bicycle’s sales territories. More recently he headed his own venture, Carolina Bicycle Company, a full-service retail shop out of Charlotte, North Carolina.
“We’re thrilled to have Gene leading our sales reps and offering better service to bicycle retailers across the United States,” said Shane Cooper, founder of DeFeet. “The IBD market is the top-rung sales channel on our ladder. Gene is the right person to bring our message home to the IBDs.”
Meanwhile, Chris Dimmick has joined Opus Bicycles as its international sales director. He starts Nov. 7. Dimmick will develop and manage Opus’ sales in all markets outside of Canada where Opus is based. He will work from his home office in Chicago.
Dimmick brings 16 years of industry experience to the role. He got his start at Turin Bicycle, where as general manager he led a sales and service team that doubled Turin’s sales in a two-year period. More recently he oversaw all sales and marketing for Lake cycling shoes as its international sales manager.
“Opus enjoyed a sales increase of over 35 percent in Canada in 2011,” said Eric Kotlarsky, general manager of Opus. “With such exceptional growth in a very competitive marketplace, the time is right to take Opus into other international markets.”
Opus Bicycles was founded 11 years ago by Outdoor Gear Canada, a major distributor in the Canadian market. The Opus line, which is sold through IBDS in Canada and Japan, includes road, mountain, urban and kids’ bikes.
