Five years after founding Germany’s 21sportsgroup, founder and CEO Jörg Mayer is taking over as chairman of the advisory board for the retailer, as well as leader of its supervisory committee.

As a result, managing directors Michael Burk and Dr. Henner Schwarz will take on additional roles. The advisory board appointed Michael Burk to the role of CEO, while Dr. Henner Schwarz as CFO and COO will be in charge of the Mannheim-based company’s finances and operations. Both are managing directors of 21sportsgroup GmbH and of its subsidiaries, Planet Sports GmbH and VR Bike GmbH, and are supported by an experienced team of senior executives.

CTO Frank Zwirner is a member of the group’s executive board and was appointed to the role of Mysportgroup GmbH’s managing director. As a result, Frank Zwirner will be responsible for the operational activities of the Vaola online marketplace, in addition to managing the entire group’s business systems and business processes.

As chairman of the advisory board and majority shareholder, Jörg Mayer will retain a close relationship with the company: “After five years of successfully building 21sportsgroup, a time that was shaped both by robust organic growth and by strategic acquisitions, I am now pleased to hand over to a highly effective executive team to lead operations. In addition to my role as chairman of the advisory board, I am going to dedicate my time in particular to our group’s ongoing inorganic growth.”

21sportsgroup combines e-commerce and retail business of 21sportsgroup GmbH, Planet Sports GmbH, VR Bike GmbH and Mysportgroup GmbH. The companies market the entire range of sporting goods, especially in the areas of outdoor, action, running, cycling and triathlon sports. They are authorized partners of all the major brands.

Online shop 21run.com offers a huge selection of premium quality running shoes, bicycles, apparel and accessories for amateur athletes, ambitious runners, cyclists and triathletes right through to professional athletes; all of these products are available for immediate shipping.

Planet Sports has been the embodiment of passion and expertise in the area of action sports and streetwear for over 20 years.

Vaola is an online marketplace with a full and interesting range of major brand, premium quality items in the areas of running sports, outdoor, lifestyle, cycling, winter sports, fitness and training, climbing and alpine sports, swimming and beach, as well as football/soccer.

Photo courtesy 21sportsgroup. 21sportsgroup’s Founder Jörg Mayer (L) and new CEO Michael Burk.