Switzerland-based Scott Sports has appointed Juwon Kim and Pascal Ducrot as co-Chief Executive Officers. This leadership shake-up follows a tumultuous period for the company, marked by internal conflict and strategic change, as Scott seeks to stabilize and refocus its business amid industry challenges.
The new leadership team also includes Baris Alev as Chief Financial Officer, Adrian Zahnd as Chief Commercial Officer and Reto Aeschbacher, who will serve as both Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Digital Officer. In addition, Holger Klinter and Claudio Benelli have been appointed co-Chief Operating Officers. The company will also soon appoint a new Head of Footwear to complement the current Head of Product, Adrian Lutz (Bike) and Gerhard Mollenkopf (Softgoods).
Scott has been a pioneer in the sporting goods industry for over 65 years and is known for its commitment to innovation, technology and design excellence. However, the company has recently been struggling with significant internal turmoil. In April 2024, long-time CEO Beat Zaugg was dismissed by the Board of Directors with immediate effect, with the full backing of majority shareholder Youngone Corporation. Zaugg, who held a 47 percent stake in Scott Corporation, publicly denied his dismissal. This development and the ensuing power struggle have led to unrest within the company and among its partners.
Kim, who initially stepped in as interim CEO after Zaugg’s departure, brings over 17 years of investment banking experience and has been with Scott since 2002. His appointment as co-CEO alongside Ducrot signals a concerted effort to align Scott’s leadership with Youngone’s strategic interests, particularly as the company looks to expand its presence in the global marketplace.
With more than 80 percent of sales coming from the bicycle segment, Scott will prioritize this area, particularly high-growth markets such as e-bikes and urban mobility. In addition, the company will expand its expertise in apparel and footwear together with Dolomite as a key revenue driver and further develop its popular bike, running, winter and outdoor products.
The change at the top of the company is a crucial step in stabilizing it and guiding it through its next phase of growth and development. The aim is to ensure that Scott remains at the forefront of innovation while maintaining the unique passion and culture that defines the brand. The company stated that it remains committed to its values of innovation, technology and design during this challenging time
