Canondale Sports Group (GSG) has lost its second Chief Executive Officer in 2008. Dorel Industries has confirmed that Jeff Frehner, President and CEO of Cannondale, is leaving the company for family reasons. Robert Baird Jr, President of Dorel’s Recreational/Leisure segment, will oversee operations until a replacement is named.
"We are sorry to see Jeff leave," Baird said. "As the former president of Madison, Wisconsin based Pacific Cycle, Jeff and his family have developed strong roots in that community. He has found it difficult to accommodate an extensive business travel schedule and the need to be physically present in Bethel, Connecticut, headquarters of the Cannondale Sports Group."
Montreal based Dorel Industries owns Cannondale, alongside the Schwinn, GT, Mongoose and Sugoi bicycle brands. Matt Mannelly, Frehner’s predecessor, left Canondale on 29 July following almost three years in the position.
Frehner had quickly risen through the ranks at Pacific Cycle, firstly as General Counsel in 2002 before taking over from founder Chris Hornung in December 2006. Pacific acquired Mongoose in 2000, Schwinn and GT in 2001, and was itself acquired by Dorel in January 2004. Dorel acquired Cannondale and Sugoi in February 2008 for US$200 million.
“There is an excellent, highly energized senior management team in place at CSG. Business at the division has never been better. We have a clear plan, and are committed to being the partner of choice for the independent bike dealer,” Baird concluded.
