Management change at SRAM

Management change at SRAM
Heather Bridges (l.) and Mike Herr. - Photo SRAM

CHICAGO, USA - SRAMs current CFO, Mike Herr, has decided to retire after 28 years with the company. The company has named Heather Bridges their new CFO, who will take over later this year after a transitional period.

Herr has led SRAM’s finance and IT departments for nearly 24 years, helping to grow SRAM from a single product start-up to a billion-dollar company that has strategically evolved into one of the largest suppliers in the cycling industry. Herr also led the integration of twelve acquisitions, including RockShox, Zipp, Time, and most recently, Hammerhead and Velocio. Herr also managed SRAM’s relationships with the financial community and investors.

“I am sad to leave, of course, but happy to look ahead to more time for family, hobbies, adventures, and bike riding. I will undoubtedly stay closely connected to my SRAM family,” said Herr.

Managing critical finance tasks

“Mike has been the consummate CFO, and he has served as a great thinking partner to SRAM founder Stan Day, then me, and the entire senior leadership team. He and his team do an exceptional job managing critical finance tasks from managing risk, closing the books, tapping into the capital markets, and ensuring our information systems help drive good decisions for the business. I count SRAM as incredibly lucky to have had Mike's leadership over these past 28 years,” stated SRAM CEO Ken Lousberg.

Heather Bridges is an outsider of the industry. She joins SRAM as CFO and will lead SRAM's global finance and information technology functions, reporting to Ken Lousberg. Most recently, Bridges was executive vice president and chief financial officer at Halo Branded Solutions. Earlier in her career, Bridges spent 19 years with SC Johnson, where she served as CFO of the Professional Division and led finance for the North American region. She began her career in finance with Proctor & Gamble. Bridges will be based in SRAM's Chicago global headquarters.

Bridges commented, “I am delighted to join SRAM as CFO. I have been deeply impressed with SRAM’s mission, the quality and passion of our people, and the impact we have on the industry.”

Erhard Büchel passed away at the age of 71. – Photo Büchel GmbH

Büchel GmbH owner and CONEBI/WBIA president Erhard Büchel passes away

FULDA, Germany - Erhard Büchel passed away on 12 May at the age of 71 after a short, serious illness. The news sparked response from industry peers worldwide as Erhard Büchel has been on the forefront of the industry for many years. Born on February 17, 1953 in Fulda, he took over the management of Büchel GmbH & Co. Fahrzeugteilefabrik KG, at the age of 23.

Belgian Cycling Factory appointed Eugene Fierkens as GM strategy & business. – Photo BCF

Belgian Cycling Factory hires industry veterans to roll-out expansion...

BERINGEN, Belgium - The Belgian Cycling Factory, owner of the brands Ridley and Eddy Merckx steps up its activity in the market with the appointment of industry veteran Eugene Fierkens. While Edward Vlutters returns back home. Fierkens will now take up the position of general manager strategy & business while Vlutters started as sales director in February.

EBMA mourns the loss of President Moreno Fioravanti (UPDATE)

EBMA mourns the loss of President Moreno Fioravanti (UPDATE)

BRUSSELS, Belgium - The European Bicycle Manufacturers Association (EBMA) has announced that its President, Moreno Fioravanti has died unexpectedly. At the age of 62, Moreno passed away peacefully on 17 February. He was very well known in the industry and his dead sparked a lot reactions.

“I believe it is time to step back from this intense full-time role and give myself some space for other interests,” says Kevin Mayne. – Photo Bike Europe

Cycling Industries Europe CEO Kevin Mayne to retire

BRUSSELS, Belgium - Brussels based trade association and industry lobby group Cycling Industries Europe (CIE) has announced that Kevin Mayne, the founding Chief Executive of the organisation, is to retire in 2024. Mayne, one of the industry's most visible political figures will step down later in the year after handing over to a successor who will be appointed through a selection process which will start immediately.