Russell Merry becomes Frasers Group Managing Director for Cycling

Evans Cycles and Tri UK parent the Frasers Group plc has announced the appointment of UK bike trade veteran Russell Merry as Managing Director for cycling.

Merry is well-known in the cycling industry as the family founder of Hot Wheels, latterly sold to Dorel Sports, which itself is now part of the PON Group. Alongside his UK role, Russell’s career consisted of an international leadership position as General Manager Cycling Sports Group USA where he played a critical role in developing the North American business (Dorel Sports).

Russell Merry commented: “I am delighted to join Frasers Group and look forward to ensuring we continue to embrace the ethos of the bicycle industry and combine it with an elevated retail proposition that Frasers Group demonstrates so well.”

Merry joins Frasers Group with extensive knowledge of this industry and will lead the fast growing category for the business. Merry will focus on the continued integration of Evans Cycles after its acquisition in 2018. He’ll also be adding specialist resources to this area of the business, finding new opportunities, and creating strategic brand exposure to ensure the business is meeting the ever-evolving needs of the consumer.

Sean Nevitt, Chief Commercial Officer at Frasers Group commented: “The Group has been on an expansive elevation strategy and as we continue our journey, we notice the ever-evolving demands of the cycling industry. Russell’s deep understanding will support the business and elevate our current proposition in this sector whilst finding new expansion opportunities.”

The Group currently operates from over 70 Evans Cycles stores as well as retailing an expansive collection of cycling specialist products across its Group portfolio, which spans 22 countries and over 500 stores.