Former Shimano man to head up UK’s newest fishing tackle retailer

A former Shimano UK Sales and Marketing Manager has joined the region’s newest fishing tackle retailer – and one that has vowed to disrupt the market – as its Managing Director.

Ian Smith (above) has joined Outlaw Pro and will be responsible for steering the company’s growth as it aims to become the number one fishing tackle brand and retailer in the country. He brings with him more than 20 years of commercial experience, including his own successful business, 30 years as a carp angler and six of those as a Shimano pro.

His appointment is one of five announced by Outlaw Pro this week, which includes Colin Grant (left) as Marketing Manager. He has been brought on board with 22 years of marketing experience across sectors that include media, gaming, software, beauty and education. Other appointments include James Mearns (Graphic Designer and Videographer), Dan Blazer (Copywriter) and Kevin Goss (Social Media Executive.

“We are excited to bring in reinforcements that will enable us to tackle even greater success in 2021 and beyond,” said Outlaw Pro co-founder, Stewart Lawson. “And that includes not one, but three more megastores across the country.

Outlaw Pro, which only started trading in February this year from its website, opened its first bricks and mortar outlet in October in Billericay, Essex. The company has announced that following the latest COVID-19 restrictions imposed in its area this week, the store will be closed until the new year.