After 48 years at the helm of one of cycling's largest brands, Specialized's founder Mike Sinyard is stepping down as CEO and handing over the running of the company to Scott Maguire, the former chief operating officer (COO) of Dyson.
Sinyard founded Specialized back in 1974, originally as a US-distributor for Italian brands, but the company blossomed into one of the largest brands in the industry, and the most dominant across the bikes of the WorldTour peloton. Despite handing over the day-to-day running of the business, Sinyard will continue with Specialized in a newly created role as "Founder, Chairman and Chief Rider Advocate".
“I have more energy now than ever,” Sinyard says. “With Scott coming on board to run the business, I can focus on better serving riders, providing them with products, services, and experiences they’ve never dreamed of.”
Who is Scott Maguire?
Maguire joins Specialized from Dyson, where he has previously held the position of Senior Vice President of Engineering and Operations at Dyson and was most recently Chief Operating Officer for the British technology giant. He has an MSc in Product Design Engineering from Glasgow University and Glasgow Art School.
“Mike and I clicked from the go. We both came from hardworking families which gave each of us the belief that with hard work, ingenuity, and collaboration dreams become reality,” said Maguire. “I am extremely excited about the opportunity to lead this revered brand into the future. There’s never been a team this strong in the bicycle industry and the Specialized innovation engine, product, and distribution is unmatched. We have everything we need to deliver products, experiences, and services that matter to riders around the world and affect positive global change.”
