BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news
Current chairman and former CEO of Asda Andy Bond is joining the Wiggle board as a non-executive director from September.
Bond, a keen supporter of cycling and the driving force behind several cycle initiatives at Asda, is to help Wiggle develop its business in the UK and overseas markets.
Wiggle said that Bond’s experience in the highly competitive UK supermarket industry – and his understanding of the cycle industry and the importance of strong relationships with brand and suppliers will help the firm hit is long-term goals. Bond’s knowledge and understanding of retailing, e-commerce and international markets was key to the move.
“I am enormously excited about joining the board of Wiggle," Bond commented. "It is a business built on customers, service and the talent of its people – the core ingredients of long-term growth. I’m looking forward to making a contribution to what is an exciting growth strategy.”
Wiggle CEO Humphrey Cobbold, CEO, said: “Attracting Andy onto the board is a major coup for Wiggle. His international experience from Asda/Walmart and his personal understanding of the cycling and tri-sport enthusiast will help us to develop our business both here in the UK and overseas. We have an exciting growth agenda and we can only be better placed to deliver this with people of Andy’s calibre and experience on board.”
David Cox, Chairman, added: “I am delighted to welcome Andy to Wiggle. He will be an excellent addition to our board. I know that Andy’s time is in great demand so for him to join Wiggle is testimony to what we have built and the outstanding potential of the business.”
The move is the fourth senior appointment at Wiggle in the last twelve months. Humphrey Cobbold joined as CEO in September 2009, having previously held senior positions at Trinity Mirror and Candover Partners, as well as director at management consulting firm McKinsey and Company.
Over the early part of 2010 Nick Pink, formerly of Tesco, was appointed operations director, while Aidan Fitzpatrick (former CTO of Confetti.com) was appointed IT director. Martin Talbot also joined as marketing director from Play.com.
The arrivals join established management team of Paul Bolwell (buying and merchandising director) and Andreas Panteli (finance director).
In 2006 private equity firm ISIS acquired a stake in Wiggle in a £12 million deal. In the four years since Wiggle has grown sales from £12 million in 2005 to voer £55 million in 2009, growing in the UK and internationally.
Wiggle has also moved into own brands, including dhb (clothing) and Verenti (bikes).
Wiggle is a finalist in the 2010 BikeBiz Awards.
