Allied Cycle Works names Brendan Quirk interim CEO

Cycling industry veteran Brendan Quirk has been named interim CEO of Bentonville-based bicycle brand Allied Cycle Works.

Quirk takes the place of Sam Pickman, who was promoted from director of product and engineering to CEO in February. A company spokesperson said Pickman is still with the company as the chief product officer and remains involved in the company’s product development.

Quirk was previously cycling program director for Bentonville-based Runway Group, an economic development group backed financially by members of the Walton family. He also served as president of North America for London-based cycling company Rapha, executive vice president of customer experience with Backcountry.com and CEO and co-founder of Competitive Cyclist in Little Rock for 12 years.

“Being a startup is an uphill battle,” Quirk said. “But in the last few months, Allied has really broken through. The success of the Able proves that our foundation is in place. The market is responding, the momentum is tangible, and I’m excited to be part of the future here.”

The Able is a reference to Allied’s U.S.-based frame production. HIA Velo, the parent company of Allied Cycle Works, relocated its headquarters from Little Rock to Bentonville earlier this year. The company’s manufacturing and factory operations are still in Little Rock.

Allied designs, engineers and manufactures high-performance carbon fiber bicycles that sell from $5,000 to nearly $6,000. The company produced its first bike in December 2016. Pickman said earlier this year that the business sells about 1,000 units per year, the majority through independent dealers and retailers.