After over ten years at Wattbike, Richard Baker is stepping down as CEO. Stephen Loftus, most recently chief commercial officer at Brompton, pictured right, will assume the role on May 1. Baker will remain with the brand as a special advisor to the Board.
Before Brompton, Loftus worked in sales, marketing and innovation roles in the international drinks industry for Diageo, Red Bull and Constellation.
The news follows a busy period for the brand, which appointed Greg Nieuwenhuys as Chairman in March. Nieuwenhuys is the chairman of Mammut Sports Group and was previously CEO of the UK retailers Cotswold Outdoors, Snow+Rock and Runners Need.
In 2020, Wattbike received an £11.5m investment from consumer brands specialist Piper to fuel growth in the UK and further penetrate the U.S. and Asian markets.
Baker said, “After ten fantastic years, it is time for me to step back and allow a fresh management team to continue Wattbike’s success story. I am immensely proud of what we have achieved—the team, products and brand we have built. I’m excited for the team going forward under Stephen’s leadership and to support my new role as a special advisor. With Stephen’s background, experience and approach, I am confident he will take Wattbike to new heights.”
Nieuwenhuys said. “I am grateful for everything Richard has done for Wattbike and that he will continue to be involved in the journey ahead. With Stephen, we have found a strong leader with a great track record, especially in sales and marketing, and I am excited about working with him, the team and our investors Piper to deliver this next chapter of growth for the brand.”
Photo courtesy Wattbike
