The World Bicycle Industry Association (WBIA) has announced the appointment of Bayram Akgül as its new President, marking the beginning of a fresh chapter for the global bicycle industry.
Akgül, who also serves on the board of the Confederation of the European Bicycle Industry (CONEBI), is the second-generation leader of Salcano Bicycle Company, a family-run bicycle producer from Turkey. “He brings a wealth of experience and a strong vision for the future of the bicycle industry,” WBIA stated in a press release sent out earlier today. Agrkgül succeeds Erhard Büchel, who died on May 12th after a short but serious illness at the age of 71.
“As the new President of WBIA, I am grateful for the trust placed in me by all WBIA members. As President, I aim to initiate a second phase in our global partnership: I aim to strengthen operations, expand global networks, continue the work of the association on market data at global level, advocate at the UN, and drive sustainability in cycling. Together with our new board, we aim to strengthen these efforts and to promote the benefits of cycling worldwide,” said Akgül.
Bob Margevicius is the new Vice-President of WBIA
Joining him in the leadership team is Bob Margevicius, Vice-President of Specialized Bicycle Components, who has been appointed as the Vice-President of WBIA. Nominated by People for Bikes, the North American member of WBIA, Margevicius is a well-known figure in the industry across the globe.
Margevicius said: “Cycling has been described by various industries as ‘the best kept secret for transportation, utility, health, fitness, environment and climate change’. Together with Bayram and the entire WBIA organisation, we will aggressively show the world the hidden value of cycling. We will fight for the global recognition and respect cycling deserves.”
Together with the new WBIA President Bayram Akgul and Vice President Bob Margevicius, the other newly appointed members of the WBIA Board are:
- Robert Wu, Chairman of the Taiwan Bicycle Association and Chairman of bicycle chain manufacturer KMC.
- Aditya Munjal, representing the Indian Bicycle Manufacturers Association (AICMA).
About World Bicycle Industry Association (WBIA)
The World Bicycle Industry Association (WBIA) is the global voice of the bicycle industry. WBIA represents national bicycle industry associations and works to advance the interests of the bicycle industry through advocacy and collaboration. WBIA’s mission is to promote cycling and the bicycle industry as essential components of a sustainable and healthy future.