Thursday, 28 March 2024
News

American Classic brings in ex-Challenge director to lead brand reinvention

American Classic has announced the recruitment of Christopher Clinton, best known in the cycling world as the former North American Director at Challenge Tire.

Having also served as a leader of Hwa Fong Rubber’s North American private label business, Clinton’s experience is wheel centric. He previously also managed Trek Bikes’ Bontrager wheel and tyre branding, and worked at Mavic during its UST introduction.

The appointment is timely as American Classic has just re-launched under new ownership and the direction of the label will now veer towards the production of performance tyres.

Having battled with a dip in OE demand back in 2018, the revival is to initially deliver eight new tyres pitched at the gravel and road rider. First launched in 1982 by Bill Shook American Classic was previously best known for it wheelsets, hubs and seatposts.

“As a manufacturer, and a brand, American Classic has put itself in a unique position,” offers American Classic’s Cavan Lee, who has managed the brand’s production for over a decade. “Chris’ background, having worked for brands, manufacturers, and always with products that have been highly-technical in nature, gives him the ideal mixture of skillsets for helping us to build on the success we’ve already experienced.”

Overseeing all day-to-day operations for American Classic Clinton will be focusing his efforts on gaining a strong foothold in the market, adding partners in both the domestic and the global IBD channels, and developing an innovate product line.

“I am excited for this opportunity to help usher in a new era for this well-loved brand,” says Clinton. “For decades, American Classic has been at the forefront of pushing the limits of product design, all to improve rider and athlete experiences. Now, we have a very aggressive plan for growth with little fear for disrupting the distribution channel in order to support riders. I look forward to applying my experience as we drive both the American Classic brand and develop additional exciting

For sales and business inquiries, Chris can be reached by email here.