PORTLAND, OR (August 4, 2015) – Effective immediately, Smith is pleased to announce the appointment of Ben “Benny” Cruickshank as Sport Channel Communications Manager.
With a passion for mountain biking, road cycling and skiing, the Michigan-native received his degree in Merchandising Management/Fashion Merchandising from Michigan State University before the call of the west moved him to Boulder, CO to explore mountain life. Soon followed nearly 7 years in Chicago, working as the Event & Promotions Manager for SRAM and later as Communications Manager for the Avid brand. In 2012, Cruickshank relocated to California to represent Bell Helmets as the Brand Manager before joining TRUE Communications as PR Account Manager for Yeti Cycles, Giro Sport Design, Spinlister and others.
Based at Smith’s Brand Franchise Organization in Portland, Oregon, Cruickshank reports operationally to Johan Andgren, Brand Director for Smith, and functionally to Antonella Leoni, Head Communication, Media and PR for Safilo.
Outside of work, Cruickshank can be found riding bikes, skiing powder, dialing in his ’74 Chevy C10 and enjoying his new home in Portland and around the Pacific Northwest. He can be reached at ben.cruickshank@smithoptics.com.
About Smith:
Originating from Sun Valley, Idaho, Smith was founded in 1965 with the invention of the first snow goggle featuring a sealed thermal lens and breathable vent foam. With 50 years of innovation and design experience, Smith is widely known today as an industry leader that pioneers advanced eyewear and helmets that incorporate dynamic technologies, optimized performance and clean styling to fuel fun beyond walls. Smith seeks to power thrilling experiences in snow, surf, bike, fish and peak performance outdoor adventures with a comprehensive collection that exudes modern style and vibrant personality. To Smith, the experience is everything. Smith is part of Safilo Group. Additional information is available at smithoptics.com.
About Safilo Group
Safilo Group is the fully integrated Italian eyewear creator and worldwide distributor of quality and trust, leader in the premium sector for sunglasses, optical frames and sports eyewear. Design inspired and brand driven, Safilo translates extraordinary design into excellent products created thanks to a superior craftsmanship expertise dating back to 1878. Internationally present through 30 owned subsidiaries and exclusive distributors in key markets – in North and Latin America, Europe, Middle East and Africa, and Asia Pacific and China – Safilo is committed to quality distribution in over 130 countries around the world. Safilo’s portfolio encompasses proprietary brands – Carrera, Polaroid, Smith Optics, Safilo and Oxydo – and licensed brands Dior, Fendi, Gucci, Alexander McQueen, Banana Republic, Bobbi Brown, BOSS, BOSS Orange, Bottega Veneta, Céline, Fossil, HUGO, J.Lo by Jennifer Lopez, Jack Spade, Jimmy Choo, Juicy Couture, Kate Spade, Liz Claiborne, Marc Jacobs, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Max Mara, Max&Co., Pierre Cardin, Saint Laurent, Saks Fifth Avenue and Tommy Hilfiger. Listed on the Italian Stock Exchange (ISIN code IT0004604762, Bloomberg SFL.IM, Reuters SFLG.MI), in 2013 Safilo recorded net revenues for more than Euro 1,1 billion.
