AMSTERDAM (BRAIN) — CEO Janus Smalbraak is leaving Pon Holdings after 25 years, the past 15 leading the parent company of Pon.Bike. Smalbraak wrote a LinkedIn post that he will join Amsterdam investment company Parcom as a partner.
"Pon is so much more than a wonderful family business; it is a close community. Over the past quarter-century, we have lived through unbelievable adventures, achieved significant milestones, and never had a single dull moment. The deep friendships created along the way truly make this an emotional moment for me."
Christian Dahlheim, CEO of Volkswagen Financial Services AG for nearly four years, will succeed Smalbraak. Pon Holdings and Volkswagen Financial Services began collaborating in 2023 to expand e-bike leasing for employees and commercial customers in the U.S. and Europe.
Volkswagen Financial Services acquired 49% stake in Pon's bike leasing subsidiary Bike Mobility Services.
"I am very confident that he will take over the reins with passion and bring Pon to the next level," Smalbraak wrote on LinkedIn.
In 2022, Pon Holdings completed its $810 million acquisition of Dorel Industries — which included Cannondale, Schwinn, GT, Mongoose and other bike brands. That same year, Pon.Bike announced plans to buy the Dutch e-bike brand Veloretti.
