Canyon Bicycles announces the appointment of Matthias Meier as Chief Executive Officer. The change will take effect on 1 May 2026. Meier is leaving the bicycle component manufacturer DT Swiss after more than twelve years, where he held various management positions. Most recently, he held the position of Co-CEO there. In this role, he was responsible for the international commercial orientation across six subsidiaries.
His tasks also included supporting strategic co-operations. This included working with Continental and Swiss Side on the development of system wheelsets. At Canyon, Meier assumes overall responsibility for the company's global business activities.
Tasks and areas of responsibility
One focus of Meier's work will be on economic management. This includes the further expansion of the direct-to-consumer model that Canyon has been pursuing for years. The company is also planning to expand its network of service and experience partners. This measure is aimed at strengthening customer contact beyond pure online sales. Roman Arnold, founder and Executive Chairman of Canyon, commented on the appointment. According to Arnold, Meier brings in-depth expertise and a passion for cycling. Meier himself sees the challenge primarily in further professionalising the company's operational and commercial strength in order to live up to its own standards and brand awareness.
Strategic goals for the coming years
The strategic goals for the coming years cover several areas. Canyon plans to further develop its global commercial management. The expansion of the digital service offering and the Canyon app are also among the priorities. The company wants to strengthen its innovative power in the mountain bike, road bike and e-bike sectors. Collaboration with professional athletes and teams on product development is to be intensified. There will also be an increased focus on sustainable production processes and corporate responsibility. Meier's appointment marks a change in management at the Koblenz-based bicycle manufacturer, which is looking to further expand its direct sales business model.
The biggest challenge in this industry is to build a brand that riders really believe in. Canyon has achieved just that. I start my role from a position that is anything but a given - with a product that needs no justification and a brand that has never needed to be loud. What is needed now is the operational and commercial strength to live up to its own claim. This is exactly what we will be working on. - Matthias Meier, Chief Executive Officer, Canyon Bicycles
Matthias not only has impressive references and in-depth knowledge of the bicycle industry, but above all is an enthusiastic cyclist himself. With this unique combination, he has successfully brought DT Swiss forward and will now lead Canyon into an exciting new chapter. - Roman Arnold, Founder & Executive Chairman, Canyon Bicycles
Laurin Lehner
Editor
