Strava, an internet service for tracking physical exercise incorporating social network features, hired Michael Martin as CEO. He also joins the company’s Board when his employment takes effect on January 2, 2024.
Martin is the general manager of YouTube Shopping and a veteran technology, media and retail executive with “extensive experience leading product, design, engineering, marketing, and business teams for top consumer and technology brands.”
During his tenure at Nike, Martin was the first product leader responsible for the company’s connected fitness portfolio—Nike Run Club, Nike Training Club, Nike Adapt, and the Apple Watch Nike+.
The report comes as Michael Horvath, the company’s CEO who co-founded Strava 15 years ago with Mark Gainey, announced he would be stepping down once the company identified his replacement.
“I am incredibly proud of what the Strava team has accomplished, especially during the past four years during which we built our subscription with the needs of our community in mind and strengthened our foundation for future growth,” said Horvath. “In Michael Martin, I am confident we found a leader I can pass the baton to and who can build Strava’s momentum even further. I look forward to supporting him as executive advisor to the CEO.”
“I’m thrilled to join Strava,” said Martin. “My experience has shown me that motivating people to become more active is a massive and universal challenge. I am in awe of what Michael, Mark and the Strava team have built. As a member of the Strava community, it is a dream to join this company and have the opportunity to take it to the next level in service of athletes everywhere.”
“Michael Martin’s experiences in some of the world’s most competitive digital markets and intimate familiarity with what it takes to delight hundreds of millions of consumers provide him with all the necessary gear to build on the many accomplishments of Strava’s founders,” said Michael Moritz, Strava Board member and former chairman of Sequoia Capital.
Photos courtesy of Strava
