Hawkins, who was most recently senior vice president of LFP Video Group, told XBIZ that he is LFP's most internationally traveled employee — aside from founder Larry Flynt — and was one of the most vocal proponents of LFP taking over its European distribution by moving overseas. Hawkins said it made sense that he'd be the one to move to Germany and resuscitate the Hustler brand.
The new office is located in Krefeld, Germany, and Hawkins said the other two sales associates he'll be working with form a "very lean marketing machine."
"I'll be wearing a lot of hats," Hawkins said. "It's time to roll up the sleeves and start from the ground up."
There still are a few countries that Hawkins said he's working on establishing distribution ties with, but that as soon as he moves to the new offices at the end of June, he's sure he'll be successful. France, Portugal, Bulgaria and Japan are just a few of the new markets Hawkins said he's gearing up to work with.
"It's all about finding the right partners that you can trust and work with," Hawkins said.
Hawkins also said Hustler has big plans for and will establish a significant presence at the Venus Berlin trade show in October, and that Flynt has personally confirmed he will attend the event.
