SIMI VALLEY, Calif. (BRAIN) — Industry veteran Hugh Walton has joined Currie Technologies as Southwest territory manager. He replaces Marty Schlesinger, who has shifted roles to become the Accell-owned e-bike maker and distributor’s in-house events manager.
"The opportunity to bring an individual of Hugh Walton's caliber into the Accell North America organization was something we couldn't pass up," said Rob Kaplan, Currie’s vice president of sales. "As the e-bike market continues to grow, his level of experience and overall understanding of the importance of the IBD’s role with consumers is invaluable."
Walton has a storied career in the industry, starting out as a professional road racer in the early 1980s with team TI-Raleigh. In 1984, Raleigh hired Walton as a product manager. Walton left Raleigh in 1988 and started Dash America, where he was instrumental in launching the Pearl Izumi clothing brand in North America.
He later started the Hind cycling clothing company, where he was president for seven years. He also briefly served as general manager at Mavic’s U.S. office before suffering a stroke and undergoing heart surgery in 2012. Most recently, Walton worked for clothing company Descente in sales, marketing and product development.
“I see a huge opportunity with the convergence of two growing trends: electronic technology and consumers’ active outdoor lifestyle across all demographic profiles,” Walton said. "Currie has the product, the resources and the leadership to support retailers with the growing e-bike market, and I’m excited to be a part of it.”
