BikeExchange Limited, based in Melbourne, Australia, said Mark Watkin has resigned as global CEO of BikeExchange, effective immediately.
Watkin will remain with the company in the short term to ensure a smooth transition of his responsibilities. He has been with the company for five years.
BikeExchange is a global online listing platform for brands and retailers. With the departure of the Watkin, BikeExchange (ASX: BEX) temporarily halted trading on the Australian stock exchange, pending a company announcement about plans to raise capital by issuing new shares.
Watkin said, “As an investor and shareholder in BikeExchange, I remain a strong supporter of the company, its people and strategy. I’d like to thank all the team for their work over the last five years. I believe the future is very bright for BikeExchange, as it delivers on its mission of making it easy to buy and sell all things bike.”
The process to appoint a permanent CEO is underway. In the meantime, Sam Salter, a co-founder of the company and current Board member, will act as CEO.
Aligned with the rollout of the company’s latest operating model, which was been disclosed previously, Ryan McMillan has been promoted to COO. McMillan has been with BikeExchange for over ten years and founded the company’s European region.
“Over recent years Ryan has fine-tuned our EU operations, leading the region to become our most successful and highest performing. It is this operating model that we are rolling out globally, led by Ryan,” said Salter.
Taylor Essick, co-founder and CEO of Kitzuma, will extend his role in the North American region to the combined BEX and Kitzuma businesses.
The remaining members of BikeExchange’s leadership team include Rebecca Boxall, chief customer officer; Joe McArdle, Global head of seller & merchant success; Andrew Demery, CFO; and Regional Leads, Felipe Arango (Colombia) and Andreas Liertz (EU), Taylor Essick (NA).
Photos courtesy Bike Exchange
