Hayes Bicycle Group Gets New VP / GM

After talking with the folks at Hayes Bicycle Group at Sea Otter, they acknowledged that the Hayes brand had suffered from the inability to use its own logo on its brakes until recently, and that the Answer and Manitou brands had languished without a brand manager to push them.  Given my entrepreneurial spirit, I’m excited for the brands after reading this and hearing that they’ll also be announcing a new brand manager for Answer shortly, along with a slew of new products…can’t wait to see what they come up with!

PRESS RELEASE: Darren Campbell has been promoted to VP and General Manager of the Hayes Bicycle Group. Campbell succeeds Kurt Person, who has been made VP of Advanced Business Development with HB Performance Systems.

Campbell holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Milwaukee School of Engineering and an MBA from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee. He joined Hayes Bicycle Group (then Hayes Disc Brakes) in 1997 as a Test Engineer, where he was involved in the testing and development of the original Hayes Mag brake. In 2005, after a series of promotions, Campbell became Hayes’ Director of Engineering and Taiwan Operations. In 2007, he was promoted to Assistant General Manager, with responsibility for engineering, product management, sales, and marketing.

“I couldn’t be more excited to assume this role. I would like to thank Kurt for all he’s done. We are a stronger company because of him and well positioned for growth. I am grateful for the leadership that he has provided. Hayes Bicycle Group and HB Performance Systems’ other business units will benefit greatly from his expertise in advanced products and business development.

“One of my fundamental priorities is encouraging the bicycle culture here,” says Campbell. “We’ve got some really strong, competitive riders in this company, and there are plenty more of us who simply love to get out and ride. Group rides have always been a part of our culture, and I want to see that continue and grow. Riding what we make is a key aspect of product development, and one of the most rewarding parts of our jobs.”

Another key focus for Campbell will be unleashing Hayes’ formidable engineering resources. “Hayes has a tremendous amount of experience in the bicycle and motorsports industries. Our engineers came from some of the best-known motorsports companies in the world. We’ve got guys from Showa, Honda, S&S Motors and others who have developed some unbelievable technologies and have spent a lot of time at the track. HB Performance has been known to put out some game changing technologies as well. I’m excited to see the things our team is working on now, and can’t wait to see these products hit the market. They’re capable of taking bicycle technology to a new level – again.”

“Promoting our brands will be another of my goals. All of them – Hayes, Manitou, Answer, SUNringlé, and Wheelsmith – have long histories and unique identities. Our Product Managers are passionate bike guys. The products they’re working on reflect their enthusiasm and expertise and also do justice to the brands they represent. The Hayes Bicycle Group has aggressively organized these brands and our ability to perform for our customers. We are ready to show the industry what we are capable of.”