Shimano has announced that Marc van Rooij, President of the Shimano Europe Group, will leave Shimano by the end of 2025.
He has worked for Shimano for more than 34 years in various management positions at Shimano Benelux, Shimano Europe and Shimano Europe Holding. He has been President of the Shimano Europe Group since 2009.
In a personal message to his staff, Van Rooij commented:
This is a heartfelt farewell after an unforgettable journey. After much reflection and due to personal circumstances, I have made one of the most difficult decisions of my life: I will be stepping away from Shimano by the end of 2025.
This is not a decision I have taken lightly. For 34 years, Shimano has been far more than a workplace; it has been a community, a purpose and a source of deep pride. The past two decades in particular have been an extraordinary chapter, serving as the final person responsible for Shimano Europe Group. Together with Team Shimano, we have grown, evolved and faced challenges head-on, always with a shared commitment to excellence and innovation.
I had the privilege of representing a brand that stands for quality, passion and performance. Shimano Inc.’s inclusion in the Tokyo TOPIX 100 index in 2020 (among more than 1,600 companies) is proof of the strength and vision of the organisation. As the largest sales and marketing subsidiary within the global Shimano group, Shimano Europe has played a vital role in that journey. I am proud of the milestones we have reached together. Thank you for the journey, it was an unforgettable one! Taihen Osewa ni narimashita, arigatou gozaimasu!
Marc van Rooij will be succeeded by Mr Fabio Takayanagi as of 1 January 2026, subject to necessary approval. Mr Takayanagi currently serves as Executive Officer supervising the Bicycle Components Sales Management department within Shimano Inc. (Global Sales).
Furthermore, he is the Vice President of the Business Management Department. Takayanagi used to work in Shimano’s European office from 2006-2007 in order to prepare the start of the Shimano Latin America company, of which he became President at that time.
