BERGAMO, Italy (BRAIN) — René Wiertz, who has been with 3T for 16 years and helped transition it from parts supplier to a gravel bike brand with production in Italy, is stepping down.
Wiertz has been with 3T since 2007. In 2015, he and Cervelo co-founder Gerard Vroomen acquired the company.
Wiertz told BRAIN that he has sold his remaining shares in the company to U-Turn Investments, which invested in the brand a year ago.
Luca Mongodi, a managing partner of U-Turn Investments, who led the acquisition of the group, is stepping in as CEO.
Wiertz told BRAIN he expects to announce a new venture in 2024.
"Other than the pivot to gravel bikes, I am most proud of bringing production back home, that was a looong project (started in 2016) but we managed to set up a totally new automated process that made it cost effective to make frames in Italy. Has been an interesting journey," he told BRAIN in an email.
"So I am 100% out now. Taking a break for now, but working on something totally new / different that will see the light in 2024," he said.
In a media statement, Wiertz said, "My time at 3T has been an incredible journey. I'm incredibly proud of what we've achieved over the years, from our innovative products to our strategic shift towards gravel biking and in-house manufacturing. I am confident that 3T is poised for an exciting future."
A U-Turn statement said, "We are excited to be part of 3T family and to have the possibility to continue this journey with this incredible team. We are confident we will reach new heights together".
