KENT, Wash. (BRAIN) — Greg Blackwell, who took over as president of Seattle Bicycle Supply last year after the retirement of longtime leader Chuck Hooper, is leaving the Accell North America-owned distributor due to a reorganization, Accell N.A.'s Steve Meineke told employees Monday.
"The new consolidated ANA structure no longer requires the position of president for SBS," Meineke told employees in an email. "Greg Blackwell will be leaving the company. We want to thank Greg for his time and service to SBS and Accell North America."
Besides Blackwell's departure, Meineke announced a restructuring as Accell seeks to establish SBS as a bigger player across the U.S.
"Our competitors continue to invest in their businesses and leverage their scale to drive growth — and we must do the same if we want to grow and stay relevant to our customers," he wrote. "It is time to elevate Seattle Bike Supply's identity to the market as great national distributor of gear, parts and accessories for cycling."
The changes include continued investment in warehouse technology, enterprise operating systems and its business-to-business website; more development of its proprietary parts and accessory brands, and more "complimentary brand partners" — including more cooperation between SBS's P&A products and Accell's bike brands, which include Raleigh, Diamondback, Redline, Lapierre and Torker.
"One year ago, ANA let the industry know our intentions to be the best, most flexible and friendly partner at the BLC and Sea Otter. ... With this announcement we took on a huge commitment together. As your leadership team, we are 100 percent committed to seeing our company's vision through and giving you all the resources to do the same."
