Mike Sinyard steps down as Specialized CEO
After 48 years, Sinyard hands over the reins to former Dyson executive Scott Maguire and promotes himself to Chief Rider Advocate
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.”
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Will joined the Cyclingnews team as a reviews writer in 2022, having previously written for Cyclist, BikeRadar and Advntr. There are very few types of cycling he's not dabbled in, and he has a particular affection for older bikes and long lasting components. Road riding was his first love, before graduating to racing CX in Yorkshire. He's been touring on a vintage tandem all the way through to fixed gear gravel riding and MTB too. When he's not out riding one of his many bikes he can usually be found in the garage tinkering with another of them, or getting obsessive about tyres. Also, as he doesn't use Zwift, he's our go-to guy for bad weather testing... bless him.
Rides: Custom Zetland Audax, Bowman Palace:R, Peugeot Grand Tourisme Tandem, Falcon Explorer Tracklocross, Fairlight Secan & Strael