British bike brand Ribble has named former River Island chief customer officer Sean Hastings as its new chief executive.
Hastings, who will step into the role from 1 July, has a wealth of experience in leading transformational change and growth across the consumer sector, joining from B2C Group, where he expanded the business internationally, becoming one of Europe’s top-rated water sports retailers.
Prior to that he was chief customer officer at River Island and ran its online business, and earlier was chief marketing officer at Speedo owner Pentland Brands.
Ribble said its current CEO Andy Smallwood will transition to a senior adviser role, “ensuring continuity and strategic support” for the business.
Will Pearson, the managing director of Ribble’s majority shareholder True thanked Smallwood for his leadership over the past seven years.
He said: “The business is almost unrecognisable from when Andy first joined and is now one of the strongest brands in cycling with a fantastic customer proposition and some of the best, award winning bikes in the world.”
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Ribble strengthened its board last year with the appointment of Becks DeNiro as chair.
DeNiro said: “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.”
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