MELBOURNE, Australia (BRAIN) — BikeExchange has appointed Mark Watkin as its new global CEO.
BikeExchange was founded 10 years ago by Sam Salter and Jason Wyatt as a marketplace for people who want to buy and sell quality cycling products and services. Now that the business has a presence across nine countries globally, a dedicated CEO position was needed, Wyatt said.
"We are excited to have someone of Mark's calibre take the helm at BikeExchange," Wyatt said.
"With over 20 years' experience in brand, media and advertising MD roles for global agencies, we are confident he will lead BikeExchange's into an exciting new era. Having Mark join us at this time is ideal for our business: it follows a recent launch of a new global strategy and a renewed and exciting emphasis on the consumer."
Watkin began his career at Saatchi & Saatchi in London before spending four years at independent digital agency Hyperlink Interactive. In Australia, he worked for George Patterson Y&R Melbourne for nearly seven years before his appointment as managing director at TBWA Melbourne, and most recently, managing director at BWM Dentsu Melbourne.
Watkin said the role is an exciting opportunity to mix his passion for business and his passion for cycling and sport: "I'm thrilled to be joining the BikeExchange business in their milestone, tenth year. Jason, Sam and the team have built a terrific and widespread platform and community. Cycling has always been a daily part of my life too, whether I'm commuting, doing group rides or racing."
"The more we discussed the global CEO position, and the more I understood about their recent strategy work, I just became more and more buoyed by the potential ahead – in the end, I jumped at the opportunity to take the role."
BikeExchange is owned and operated by Marketplacer, and is one of more than 20 online marketplace business currently operating on their proprietary software platform. The appointment of Watkin follows the recent appointment of Nick Baker as CEO of Outdoria, also a Marketplacer site, in August.
