“First and foremost, I have learned a lot about the business side of this industry during my tenure as Executive Director.” says Holt, “It’s been a wonderful and enlightening journey, but it’s time for a change. We are finally getting the right people on the bus here and more importantly having them in the right seats. Having gone through numerous discussions with senior management involving employee strengths and how to use them most effectively, I realized that I was one of those people in the wrong seat. I was far more effective for G.Loomis as a champion of the brand! I’m a ‘people person’ and live for that connection within the industry and the sport. It’s what I do best and where I can have the most positive effect for the future of this company. The increasing demand for travel and time away from home and family made my decision easy.
I have discussed this at length with Toyo Shimano, President of G.Loomis, and Dave Pfeiffer, President of Shimano American Corporation. They both understand and support my desire to concentrate on my strengths as a communicator.”
“We have been grooming the current Director of Sales & Marketing, Jim Lebson, to take Bruce’s place when the time comes,” says Shimano. “G.Loomis is becoming more and more involved with the Team Shimano sales effort on a worldwide basis. The timing is right for Bruce to step aside. He’s been a strong asset for this company and will continue to do so from a more comfortable position. His knowledge of the company, the products, the industry and the sport make him an important part of G.Loomis’ future. He is a team player and has worked hard to help G.Loomis become the best fishing rod brand in the industry.“
Holt will be responsible for communications, branding and product development at the Washington-based facility. He will be working closely with John Mazurkiewicz at Catalyst Marketing – Shimano’s and G.Loomis’ PR and communications specialist – on media-related communications, product demos and factory visits.
“We have grown a lot in the past few years in many ways,” adds Holt, “and we continue to pursue loftier goals. We are more involved with Team Shimano now and that means a lot more international travel over the next few years. To be brutally honest, I’m tired of being gone so much. It’s time to spend a little more time with my grandkids, stick around SW Washington and fish for those big Columbia River Smallmouth as much as possible.”
John Mazurkiewicz
Catalyst Marketing
PO Box 6697 – South Bend, IN 46660
120 W. LaSalle Avenue – Suite 503 – South Bend, IN 46601
574/289-1331 – fax: 574/289-1441
