Former Rapala man moves into retail with Angling Direct.
Posted on February 2nd, 2023Former Rapala Sales Manager Tim Leemans has moved into the retail sector by joining Angling Direct (AD) as Commercial Manager Europe.
He replaces Andre Akkermans at AD, who left the company before Christmas to join Sportvisserij Zuidwest Nederland, and it was Akkermans who tipped him off that the role was to become vacant.
“I have known Andre for years and he made me aware of the opportunity,” Leemans told Angling International as he travelled to this weekend’s Den Bosch Carp Show just four days after joining AD. “I then met with Commercial Director Simon Morris and CEO Andy Torrance and was offered the job.”
Before getting into the fishing tackle industry six years ago, Leemans, a lifelong fisherman, sold heavy plant vehicles. But when a friend of his died in his early 40s it changed his thinking. “I decided to get the most from my life by combining my hobby with business,” he said.
“The angling industry is much more professional than I realised. I am happy with the choice I made.”
In 2018 Leemans joined UK company Cipher International, parent of the Trakker, Cygnet and Aqua brands, as Media Manager, before becoming Sales Manager for Belgian company Dream Baits.
He moved to Rapala as Sales Representative for Benelux in 2021 and became Sales Manager the following year. “It’s an exciting moment to join AD,” added Leemans. “The company’s ambitions in Europe are a big part of why I came here and I am very proud to be part of a fantastic team.”
Angling International
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