Graphite Design International – maker of the YS-6, the No.1 graphite driver shaft model on the PGA Tour for three straight years (according to the Darrell Survey) has announced that Bill McGuinness is their sales and marketing manager for Europe.
Barely one month after he announced his retirement, the industry veteran has been recruited to strengthen the European growth of the maker of no.1 graphite driver shaft model on the PGA Tour
McGuinness, who brings a materials-science background and 15 years of golf industry experience to GDI, will oversee sales and marketing functions in Europe, including expansion of GDI’s distributor network in key, emerging European markets. He is reachable at: office: +44 (0)1487 773319; mobile: +44 07740 519654; Email: mcguinness@gdintl.com
“I am thrilled to be a part of Graphite Design International’s impressive history and contribute to its promising future,” says McGuinness. “Our goal is to build upon the already widespread acceptance of GDI in Europe as the preferred shaft among the world’s best players, top amateurs and recreational golfers.”
McGuinness’ vast experience in the European golf market began when he relocated from the United States to the United Kingdom in 1989 to establish a leading shaftmaker’s European operations. His knowledge of the European original equipment manufacturer ( “OEM”) and component business was further bolstered after performing similar roles for Golfsmith and Softspikes. Most recently, McGuinness founded and managed the European subsidiary of GolfWorks, one of the most respected golf-component companies in the world.
“Europe is an integral part of the global golf market and it represents one of our major growth opportunities,” said Akio Karashima, CEO of GDI. “We are looking forward to having the benefit of Bill’s experience with European custom club making and OEM golf equipment to further strengthen our position there.”
The hiring of McGuinness builds on GDI’s momentum from 2005, when its shafts were used by 18 winners on the PGA TOUR and 40 winners worldwide, helping them amass more than $75 million in earnings.
GDI, established in Japan in 1989 and in the U.S. in 1997, is one of the world’s three largest golf-club shaft manufacturers. The company made its mark manufacturing high-performance shafts for most of golf’s major OEMs worldwide, including the top four companies by sales volume, and GDI shafts continue to be preferred by top clubmakers, worldwide.
GDI’s trademarks are revolutionary technology, design and sourcing the most advanced materials so GDI shafts are of highest quality and performance. GDI shafts specifically promote “Accuracy and Distance” among players of all levels, and are commonly referred to as “Ultimate Performance, Proven on Tour.”
The core components of the company’s “AD” logo, these key competitive advantages help professionals and amateurs optimize their game after switching to GDI shafts. The company’s popular YS series and recently introduced Tour AD line are taking this message to the next level.
Graphite Design International www.gdintl.com
McGuinness is out of retirement
