SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, Calif. (BRAIN) — Interbike has hired former longtime NBDA executive director Fred Clements to fill the newly created position of retail relations director.
Clements will work as part of the Interbike marketing staff to develop and strengthen the relationships between the show and the independent bicycle retailer. The new role will also help identify, analyze and assess new strategic opportunities that will enhance the attendee experience, the show said.
The position is designed to be a direct communication link between retailers and Interbike, and is one that has been successfully implemented within two of Interbike's sister shows, Surf Expo and Outdoor Retailer.
"Interbike has been about supporting retail since the Steve Ready days, and I'm willing to bet Steve would be over the moon at both the creation of the position and the person we hired," said Pat Hus, the vice president of Interbike. "For more than 25 years Fred has worked closely with independent bicycle dealers – he understands their world, their challenges and what it's going to take to survive and thrive in this new era of retail. I couldn't think of a better person to pioneer this important role on our team."
Clements will organize a retailer advisory board, made up of a diverse representation of IBDs. These retailers will come from different areas of the country, will include specific niches within the industry (pro shop, boutique MTB, family, etc.), and will include male and female owners. This group will help the show's management shape Interbike.
Clements will also travel extensively visiting retailers across the country, and will participate in industry events where dealers are gathered, along with a host of other duties.
"I've been advocating for the show for close to 30 years now, so this new role just seems like a natural fit for me," Clements said. "I think the industry needs Interbike to thrive now, probably more than ever, and I can't wait to be a part of the team that makes that happen. This is just a great way to start the next chapter in my life and I am ready to hit the ground running."
Clements begins his new role officially May 1, the same day that registration opens for Interbike's 2017 event.
