People: Pashley Group; Talking Tortoise
Pashley Group has announced the appointment of business leader Andy Smallwood to the role of chief executive officer (CEO), effective June 3, 2024.
Smallwood brings with him a passion for cycling and a wealth of product life cycle, brand development and commercial experience with more than two decades in the cycling industry.
He is well known for his roles as managing director of Boardman Bikes and (most recently) as CEO of Ribble Cycles, where, for over 7 years, he led and transformed the business into the British bike brand it is today.
Working closely with Pashley Chairman Adrian Williams and the Pashley team, as CEO Andy will define the strategic direction for the Pashley business and brand.
Williams said: “I am delighted to welcome Andy onboard. From my first meeting with Andy, it was clear that we shared the same passion for product design, brand integrity and company culture and as we forge ahead – his breadth of experience, strategic and commercial insight and creativity will be invaluable to the Pashley business as we accelerate our forward journey, further developing our customer and product proposition and the Pashley brand”.
Smallwood said: “I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to work with Adrian and the Pashley team, leading this historic British cycling brand into the future and I can’t wait to get started. The essence of the business is very well positioned and aligned to the core environmental, cultural, and social factors driving the long-term growth in cycling. The future is very exciting for Pashley.”
Tony Holmes with Talking Tortoise’s managing director, Jessica Blyth-Sweetingham
Warwickshire-based marketing and PR firm, Talking Tortoise have announced that Ex-McCann WorldGroup managing partner, Tony Holmes has joined the leadership team as their new board advisor.
Holmes brings twenty-five years’ worth of experience, as a managing partner at McCann WorldGroup.
The move to appoint Holmes as an advisor to the board follows the company’s move to larger premises at Long Barn Village in Alcester in June 2023.
He said “At first, I was intrigued by the name – Talking Tortoise, but after meeting Jessica and her team, we immediately hit it off, talking about the company’s purpose and new products that we could create. Everything has just continued from there and I’m delighted to be helping them on their journey of growth; building upon a very healthy business. Talking Tortoise are a special company with a unique culture, a growing team as well as national and international reach. It’s a joy to be working
with them.”
