Coup for smart bike specialist as outdoor industry leader takes top job

Nottingham-based smart bike business Wattbike has appointed outdoor industry heavyweight Greg Nieuwenhuys as its new chairman.

Nieuwenhuys is currently chair of leading Swiss mountain brand Mammut Sports Group. He has been CEO of UK retailers including Cotswold Outdoors, Snow+Rock and Runners Need and once led Bever, the largest outdoor retailer in the Netherlands.

Wattbike users include Olympians, NFL athletes and the All Blacks rugby team. The company is backed by Piper, a specialist investor in consumer brands.

Nieuwenhuys said: “I have always been intrigued by performance. I take pride in challenging myself physically and mentally. We spend so much time working that I only ever take on roles within companies that I’m passionate about. Wattbike is an amazing company, helping people to improve their health, fitness and wellbeing, focused on those who have clear goals.”

Wattbike CEO Rich Baker said: “Greg has an impressive track record, both in the office and across his personal achievements. His ability to combine his strong interpersonal and analytical skills, his experience of the global sports market along with his energy will be a fantastic asset to our team and brand.

“I’m looking forward to Greg working with the talented, energetic Wattbike team and becoming a valuable member as we embark on an exciting next chapter for the company in regards to strategy, expansion and innovation.”

Dan Stern, a partner at Piper, added: “We’re delighted to welcome Greg as the new chairman of Wattbike. His experience and insights into the sports market are of huge value to the brand and his own personal interest in high performance activities gives him a genuine understanding of Wattbike’s capabilities and its appeal to regular consumers and elite athletes alike. We very much look forward to working with him.”  

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