BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news
Haro Bikes has announced the appointment of two UK-based agents as part of its ongoing expansion programme.
Blair Whiteside will cover Scotland, the North of England and Ireland, with Antonin Osmik covering Wales, the Midlands and the South of England.
Haro has undergone a period of transformation over the past 12 months, with the long-term ambition of becoming a preferred brand for UK cycle industry retailers.
Alongside the new vision, Haro has expanded its portfolio to include e-MTB, gravel and road offerings.
Whiteside has been working within the bike trade for nearly 30 years, as territory account manager for more than 20 years before setting up Cycle iKot Ltd just over a year ago.
Following the announcement, Whiteside said: “Haro have done an amazing amount of work on their product range in a very short period.
“The current range of bikes look amazing and show true ambition from Haro to become a top market player. I am looking forward to joining them on this journey. Haro will be a great addition to my current brands.”
Over the past 15 years, Osmik has held roles for outdoor and cycle industry brands including Evans Cycles, Blacks, Sealskinz and 2Pure.
He set up his own agency – Venku Ltd – in spring 2023, which represents French e-bike brand Moustache bikes, Irish boutique road and gravel bike brand, Fifty One bikes and now Haro bikes.
Osmik added: “I’m looking forward to working closely with the Haro team. Haro is a brand with plenty of heritage and passion, which projects into their bike line-up.
“A tremendous amount of work has gone into the range, there really is something for every kind of rider.”
Chief commercial officer, Lars Hjort is leading the restructure of the brand’s sales operation in Europe, focusing on building close partnerships with local retailers.
Commenting on the appoints, Hjort said: “We are delighted to welcome Antonin and Blair to the Haro family, which is a clear commitment from the brand to local dealers.
“With Haro Bikes, dealers will be offered an exclusive range of sporty bikes in the future. We are looking for long-term partners who value trusting relationships and an exclusive range.”
Retailers based in Scotland, the North of England and Ireland interested in learning more about the refreshed Haro line-up can contact Whiteside at: blair@cycleikot.co.uk or +44 7834 451 690
Dealers located in Wales, the Midlands and the South of England can reach Osmik on: antonin@venku.co.uk or +44 7809 375278.
