The Supervisory Board of Accell Group has informed shareholders about the intention to appoint Ruben Baldew as Chief Financial Officer and member of the Board of Directors. As of 1 November 2018, the Board of Directors will have three members: Ton Anbeek (CEO), Ruben Baldew (CFO) and Jeroen Both (CSCO).
Ab Pasman, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Accell Group, said “We are delighted to confirm that Ruben will join us as new CFO of Accell Group. He has extensive experience as a CFO and in other senior executive positions in the field of finance. In addition, Ruben has gained IT experience through his involvement in ERP implementations and digital change projects.
“This combination of experience and skills makes him particularly suited for rolling out the new strategy and transition of Accell Group in the years ahead, together with Ton and the rejuvenated and strengthened management team.”
Ruben Baldew studied tax law at Leiden University and completed a post-doctoral programme to become a qualified register controller at Maastricht University. He started his professional career in 2001 at Unilever, where he held various financial positions in different countries. He has worked as finance partner in the supply chain, procurement, marketing and sales. He has been Financial Director for the European laundry detergents and care products supply chain; and later he became Financial Director of Unilever Benelux.
Until recently, Baldew was Financial Director of Unilever Thailand. In addition to his financial responsibilities, in these latter roles he was closely involved in IT matters, in areas including ERP and CRM.
Accell Group focuses internationally on the mid-range and higher segments of the market for bicycles and bicycle parts and accessories. The company has leading positions in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Italy, France, Finland, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States. In Europe, Accell Group claims market leadership in the bicycle market, as measured in turnover.
Accell Group’s best known brands are Haibike (Germany), Winora (Germany), Batavus (Netherlands), Sparta (Netherlands), Koga (Netherlands), Lapierre (France), Ghost (Germany), Raleigh and Diamondback (UK, US, Canada), Tunturi (Finland), Atala (Italy), Redline (US), Loekie (Netherlands) and XLC (international). Accell Group and its subsidiaries employ approximately 3,000 people in eighteen countries worldwide.
The company has production facilities in the Netherlands, Germany, France, Hungary, Turkey and China. Accell Group products are sold in more than 70 countries. The company’s head office is located in Heerenveen (the Netherlands). Accell Group shares are traded on the official market of Euronext Amsterdam and are included in the Amsterdam Small Cap index (AScX). In 2017, Accell Group sold around 1.3 million bicycles and recorded turnover of over €1 billion.
