Shimano Europe president Marc van Rooij to step down

Shimano has announced that Marc van Rooij, President of the Shimano Europe Group, will leave the company by the end of 2025.

In a message to staff, van Rooij said his departure followed “much reflection” and was due to “personal circumstances.”

“This is not a decision I have taken lightly. As the largest sales and marketing subsidiary within the global Shimano group, Shimano’s inclusion in the Tokyo TOPIX 100 index in 2020 is proof of the strength and vision of the organisation. Shimano Europe has played a vital role in that journey,” he said.

Van Rooij will be succeeded on 1 January 2026 by Fabio Takayanagi, who is currently Executive Officer supervising the Bicycle Components Sales Management Department within Shimano (Global Sales). He also serves as Vice President of the Business Management Department.

Recently, Shimano Europe launched a survey to gauge the current challenges and opportunities in cycle mechanic training and careers across Europe. The survey, Nextgen Mechanics: Advancing Cycle Mechanic Standards & Careers Together, was part of Shimano Europe’s effort to tackle the growing shortage of skilled bicycle mechanics across the continent, as the prevalence of eBikes, cargo bikes, leasing bikes and the transition to sustainable transport increases the frequency of cycling.

Prior to this, Shimano Europe announced a refocusing of its priorities, with a significant scaling back of its activities in the cycling apparel space.