Wayne Stetina leaves Shimano after 37 years, joins SRAM
by Steve Frothingham
IRVINE, Calif. (BRAIN) — Wayne Stetina is leaving Shimano American, where he has held leadership and product positions for 37 years, to join arch rival SRAM, according to several BRAIN sources and an interview published Friday on RoadBikeAction.com.
BRAIN has not been able to reach Stetina yet, but he told RBA that he is leaving Shimano on good terms. He also discussed the departure on his Twitter feed (see below).
"(I) have to say that it's actually been better than I thought it would be. Of course they were concerned about product confidentiality so I had to sign some papers, but I think they're also aware of my history of integrity. In fact, even SRAM made me sign papers that would hold me responsible if there was ever any information passing over," Stetina told RBA editor Zapata Espinoza.
Stetina joined Shimano in 1984. One of the most successful road racers in American history, Stetina was involved in product development and later served as vice president and road product specialist. He said that at SRAM he will become a "Senior Field Guide" at SRAM.
"I see an opportunity to concentrate on making better parts for road and gravel riders to use, as well as visiting shops and working with our sponsored teams," he said. Wayne Stetina is the uncle of pro gravel privateer Peter Stetina.
Scott King, SRAM's director of aftermarket sales of the Americas, said, "We are obviously very excited to be working with Wayne Stetina, he is an extremely knowledgeable industry veteran, and he will be working in our Mideast Region to educate retailers and help drive our gravel and road business."