Pashley recruits from the industry for new CEO

Andy Smallwood has joined Pashley Group Limited as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective this month, joining from Ribble Cycles where he was CEO for over seven years.

Smallwood has over two decades in the cycling industry, working as Managing Director of Boardman Bikes prior to Ribble, therefore brining a wealth of product life cycle, brand development and commercial experience to the role with Pashley.

Working closely with Pashley Chairman Adrian Williams and the Pashley team, as CEO Andy will define the strategic direction for the Pashley business and brand, leading the team as the business embarks on its next exciting phase of evolution and growth.

Adrian Williams said: “I am delighted to welcome Andy onboard. From my first meeting with Andy, it was clear that we shared the same passion for product design, brand integrity and company culture and as we forge ahead – his breadth of experience, strategic and commercial insight and creativity will be invaluable to the Pashley business as we accelerate our forward journey, further developing our customer and product proposition and the Pashley brand.”

Andy added: “I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to work with Adrian and the Pashley team, leading this historic British cycling brand into the future and I can’t wait to get started. The essence of the business is very well positioned and aligned to the core environmental, cultural, and social factors driving the long-term growth in cycling. The future is very exciting for Pashley!”

CIN recently caught up with Pashley to discuss the side of its business that is often overlooked – its long-standing award winning work supplying to the B2B and bike share market.

Ribble installs new CEO following recent Board moves

Meanwhile, Ribble has installed Sean Hastings as its new CEO, effective 1 July. He joins from B2C Group, where he expanded the business internationally, becoming one of Europe’s top-rated water sports retailers. His extensive experience also includes Chief Customer Officer at RIver Island, running its online business, and prior to that as Chief Marketing Officer at Pentland Brands – owner of Speedo, Berghaus, Endura and Ellesse.

This follows Ribble strengthening the Board last year with the appointment of Becks DeNiro as Chair of Ribble. DeNiro has deep experience in product-led and brand driven organisations from her time as CEO at Pure Electric and MD of Dyson UK. DeNiro commented on Sean’s appointment: “We are absolutely delighted that Sean is joining Ribble as CEO. The business has an exciting future ahead, and Sean’s extensive experience across product, brand and multi-channel retail will be invaluable as we embark on the next phase of our growth journey and lead innovation within cycling.” Hastings added, “I’m thrilled to be joining Ribble, a business with such deep roots in cycling. I’m looking forward to working with the team, building on the great product offer and taking the brand on the next stage of its growth journey.”