LAGUNA HILLS, Calif. (BRAIN) — Bicycle Retailer & Industry News' former longtime publisher Marc Sani is returning to the helm of the magazine. Sani, who co-founded the magazine with Bill Tanler, had stepped down from the publisher role in 2013 and was recently recruited to return as interim publisher by the National Bicycle Dealers Association board.
Megan Tompkins, who rejoined Bicycle Retailer in April 2013 as associate publisher and then publisher, has left to pursue other opportunities. Over the last five years Tompkins spearheaded the magazine's expansion into digital publishing, working with staff to launch weekly e-newsletters, adding video, bolstering the magazine's social media presence, and developing new editorial projects including BRAIN's Retail Remodel, e-bike market reports, and a triathlon-focused supplement.
In recent months, Tompkins helped navigate the magazine through a challenging industry and publishing environment as the publication has weathered declines in print and digital advertising, prompting cost-cutting measures.
Before rejoining the magazine five years ago, Tompkins led the editorial team at the magazine for seven years. She then left and worked in sales and marketing roles within the industry.
"Megan is an incredibly passionate, hardworking and driven person," said Brandee Lepak, chair of the NBDA. "Anyone who has her on their side should consider themselves fortunate. Her dedication to this magazine was apparent every single day. We wish Megan well on her next adventure and know that she will continue to do extraordinary things with her life.
"We are grateful Marc Sani has been willing to see us through this transition and difficult time," Lepak added. "Marc has seen the magazine through similar times in the past and we are confident that he will once again see BRAIN through these challenging circumstances."
"I am proud of the work accomplished by the team at Bicycle Retailer & Industry News over my many years as both editor and publisher," said Tompkins. "The staff's dedication to providing a reliable platform for industry information was inspiring, and I am honored to have worked so closely with these amazing colleagues and friends. Now I am looking forward to writing my next chapter in the industry."
Bicycle Retailer & Industry News is owned by Emerald Expositions, which also owns Interbike. Since 2003, the NBDA has published Bicycle Retailer & Industry News under license from Emerald Expo.
