BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news
Cannondale has appointed Rik Kienhuis as the brand’s new VP of products, with the move bringing a relocation from the Netherlands to the brand’s global head office in Wilton, Connecticut.
The move sees Kienhuis transition into the role of VP of products after 9 years with the business, having previously held roles as global sales and operational planning director, customer service director, supply chain and customer service director, and operations director Europe, all based in the Netherlands.
Kienhuis comments: “I’m energized to get back to work tomorrow and use my skills, knowledge and experience in service of the team and our brand, to grow together and make iconic bicycles that just work better. Bicycles that make your ride better.”
Of the relocation, Kienhuis adds: “My family and I couldn’t have wished for a smoother move from the Netherlands to Connecticut, USA. The support of colleagues, family and friends has been truly remarkable.”
A key member of the team at Cannondale, Kienhuis has played major roles in the opening, expansion, and operation, of manufacturing capability in Europe. During 2021 the business opened a production facility in Almelo, the Netherlands, with the capability of producing 80,000 units. This came as the business stated it intended to triple output by 2022.
In the same timeframe, the brand opened a new Rincon-located assembly facility, which aimed to double the workforce, adding this to a distribution centre located in Effingham County, Georgia. The “additional investment in the site formed part of a multi-year expansion plan to grow Cannondale business in the U.S. and globally”.
Announcements at the time pointed to a combined production capacity of 500,000 bikes, with discussion around the future production of frames in the USA.
About Cannondale
Now part of Pon.Bike, Cannondale was founded in 1971 in a Connecticut workshop. From day one the brand set about revolutionizing cycling.
Cannondale challenged and transformed materials, ergonomics and technology, heralded aluminium and carbon-fibre manufacturing while the industry had historically manufactured frames from steel.
Innovation did not stop with materials. The business introduced a pioneering single-sided suspension fork, so far ahead of its time that an iteration of it still delivers for the XC riders and racers of today.
Image credit: Cannondale / Rik Kienhuis
