Specialized has introduced Vanessa Christie as the new Women’s Brand Manager.
Christie will provide direction and guidance for the Specialized Women’s Brand Managers across the globe, and commented: “I am thrilled to be joining the talented and dedicated team of one of the world’s most innovative and passionate cycling companies.”
“For me, this position represents a much larger opportunity to help lean in, and lead within the industry to increase access, inclusivity, and appeal of how bicycles and the community around biking can be a positive catalyst for change, on an individual, local and global level for women,” she added.
Christie most recently worked as Timbuk2’s Marketing Manager and has over 10 years of marketing and communications experience both domestically and abroad. Christie serves on the Board of Directors for the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition and races for the San Francisco-based cross team, Vive La Tarte. She grew up riding bikes on the roads, and trails of Montreal, Ottawa, Calgary and Toronto, Canada. She strongly attributes living, and working in Amsterdam in 2007 as a life changing event on how a “bike first” approach wins in so many ways, and has heavily influenced her personal and career choices ever since.
Specialized CMO Slate Olson commented, “Having Vanessa aboard is a great step for us continuing to lead the way with women riders.” He continued, “We are excited for what she brings in passion, experience, and believe she will help innovate, and drive our approach in how we connect with and inspire more riders.”