GIVISIEZ, Switzerland (BRAIN) — Scott's search for a new CEO has concluded with the appointment of two co-CEOs: longtime Scott executive Pascal Ducrot and Juwon Kim. Kim has been an interim CEO since the Scott board replaced longtime CEO and part-owner Beat Zaugg in March.
The company also expanded its executive leadership team and said that is putting new emphasis on its bicycle business, apparel and footwear. Scott's other businesses include skis and motorcross.
The expanded executive leadership team comprises of Baris Alev (Chief Financial Officer), Adrian Zahnd (Chief Commercial Officer), Reto Aeschbacher (Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Digital Officer) and Holger Klinter and Claudio Benelli (co-Chief Operating Officers). The Heads of Product are Adrian Lutz (Head of Bike) and Gerhard Mollenkopf (Head of Soft Goods), with a Head of Footwear to be appointed.
"The new Leadership Team will lead a transition plan, which is committed to focusing on Scott's core business, while honouring its unique passion and culture, working together to stabilise the company following a turbulent period for the sporting goods industry," the company said in a statement Monday.
The statement said that its bike business produces more than 80% of its revenue and "will become the central priority, where Scott will increase its investment into the development of world-class products according to its values of innovation, technology and design, while targeting growth markets including e-bikes and urban mobility."
Scott also will place "additional focus" on apparel and footwear and said it would continue to develop products for the bike, running, winter and outdoor markets, not mentioning its "Moto" division, which offers goggles, grips and protective gear for offroad motorcycling and snowmobiling.
Zaugg's replacement was contentious. The longtime leader disputed that the board had the ability to replace him, telling BRAIN he remained CEO despite the announcement. However after the initial dispute Zaugg has not responded to inquiries from BRAIN. Scott hired a global executive search firm soon after to identify a permanent CEO.
Ducrot has been with Scott for more than 34 years, most recently as a vice president responsible for product development, marketing and sales.
In recent months Scott has appointed new leadership at its U.S. operations, based in Utah. Hap Seliga was named CEO, Jake Dudek was named COO and Matt Heitmann was named Chief Marketing Officer.
