Kozo Shimano is no longer working for the family business, where he had been employed for more than 20 years. Last Thursday was his last day with Shimano American Corp., the Irvine, California, division of the Japanese component giant.

Shimano, 46, was president of the company's American division from 2000 to 2006, before switching roles to focus on bicycle and fishing advocacy and public relations.

He told VeloNews on Tuesday that he could not yet talk about his departure or the next step in his career.

"I will probably stay in the bike industry, as my ancestors on my mother's side and my father's side come from the bike industry," he said. Kozo Shimano's paternal grandfather, Shozaburo Shimano, founded the company in 1921. On the maternal side, Kozo's great-grandfather, Takagi, owned a bike component company where Shozaburo was an apprentice. Takagi is best known in the U.S. for its colorful BMX cranks sold in 1980's.

Kozo was raised in New Jersey and graduated from Johns Hopkins University. His first job was with the Asics shoe company in California. He joined the family business in 1987 in Japan and was project leader for the original XTR group. He moved back to the U.S. in 1990.

"I'm not really sure what my plans are. After I tie up some loose ends with Shimano, I plan to devote more time to my family (my wife and children). I've basically neglected them for the past 20 years, as I've devoted most of my time to Shimano. All three of my daughters are in high school. I think this would be a great time to bond more closely with them — before they head off to college."

He said every male in his family — his father, his younger brother and several cousins — works for the company.

"It will be difficult to leave, yes," he said. "But there is no sense crying over spilt milk."