You should stop when it's at its best. Perhaps this sentence was in the mind of Canyon founder Roman Arnold when he decided to hand over the management of Canyon Bicycle GmbH to a successor after more than 30 years at the helm.
In a press release last week, he himself describes the timing as ideal. Despite the coronavirus pandemic - or perhaps because of it - Canyon is posting a new record year in 2020. The management expects an annual turnover of 400 million euros, which is an increase in turnover of over 30 per cent compared to the previous year!
Since the US investors from TSG Consumer Partners LLC joined Canyon almost five years ago, turnover has almost tripled from 150 million euros at the time. Now Canyon wants to get off to another flying start with new investors, and the opportunities are "great", says Arnold, adding: "We have reached a size where we need additional investors for growth and innovation, as we intend to do."
New structures for more growth
Canyon has reorganised the company's structures for this new path. The previous CEO and company founder Roman Arnold will officially hand over his position to Armin Landgraf from 1 October 2020. Arnold himself is moving to the head of the newly founded Canyon Advisory Board. From there, he intends to "support the management in all key issues relating to Canyon's development and help set the strategic course."
The designated Canyon boss Armin Landgraf knows his way around Canyon and has already been able to prepare for his new role. The experienced bike manager has been responsible for the operational business of the Koblenz-based direct mail order company as COO for around one and a half years.
Landgraf now outlines the next development goals under his leadership: "We will continue to focus on the development of new technologies and products, the continuous expansion of our e-bike portfolio, the expansion of our service offering and the strengthening of our global brand presence."
The goals that Armin Landgraf wants to achieve together with Lothar Arnold, who remains on board as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), are obviously ambitious. A concept vehicle with four wheels has just been presented, which is "the next step in mobility".
However, the two managing directors can be sure of many years of advice from the new advisory board chairman, even if he wants to focus more on the athletes again. "I've been riding on the big chainring for over 30 years. I'm now shifting down a gear, but I'm good on the long distance," says 57-year-old Roman Arnold, explaining his personal motivation for the future.
Sebastian Brust
Editor
