International cycling communications agency, SHIFT Active Media has appointed experienced journalist Stephen Farrand as Editorial Director to further the range of services and expertise the company offers to its growing portfolio of clients. Founded in 2010 by former Future Chief Operating Officer, Simon Wear, SHIFT Active Media is a specialist media agency focusing on cycling.
Counting premium brands Colnago, Fi’zi:k, Rapha, FSA, Orange Mountain Bikes and Santini among its clients, SHIFT has also been appointed by major online cycling retailer, Wiggle to develop its international marketing strategy as the retailer’s full service specialist agency. According to the company, SHIFT ‘has numerous new projects under development with international partners and clients, and continues to grow at a rapid pace.’
Farrand joins SHIFT from Cyclingnews.com, where he was a key member of the editorial and production team. Before joining Cyclingnews, he was based in Italy, where he cut his teeth as a freelance journalist with Bicycling AOL, Cycling Weekly, Cycle Sport and the Reuters news agency. He has reported on numerous editions of the Giro d’Italia, Tour de France and other major races around the world. He is a fluent Italian speaker and raced locally in Italy for several years before becoming a journalist.
Simon Wear, Founder and CEO, SHIFT Active Media, said “SHIFT’s first year of business has been completely phenomenal, with a growing client roster and some impressive campaigns under our belt. As we continue to grow and focus on delivering the most innovative media communications for our clients, we will recruit best-in-class talent.
“Stephen brings a wealth of experience, with a thick contacts book and superb athlete access, and will complement our team with a focus on the professional racing circuit.”
Newly appointed Editorial Director, Stephen Farrand said “My role at SHIFT will give me a chance to combine my journalistic skills and understanding of cycling in a new way, and I can’t wait to work with Simon and the team. SHIFT has a growing group of clients, and I’m thrilled to start a new chapter of my career by working with many of the most prestigious brands in cycling.”
