Global marketplace appoints new CEO

Internet Retailing

6th Nov 2017

Online cycling marketplace, BikeExchange, has confirmed the appointment of Mark Watkin as its new global CEO.

Since launching in Australia ten years ago, the marketplace now has a presence across nine countries globally.

It has also recently invested in a new data and insights platform, with the aim of gaining in-depth knowledge of end consumers and sharing that knowledge with partners and advertisers alike.

BikeExchange co-founder Jason Wyatt said this made it the perfect time to appoint a global CEO.

“Having Mark join us at this time is ideal for our business: it follows a recent launch of a new global strategy and a renewed and exciting emphasis on the consumer.”

Watkin brings over twenty years’ experience in brand, media and advertising management roles for global agencies. He began his career at Saatchi & Saatchi in London before spending four years at independent digital agency Hyperlink Interactive.

In Australia, he worked for George Patterson Y&R Melbourne for nearly seven years before his appointment as managing director at TBWA Melbourne, and most recently, managing director at BWM Dentsu Melbourne.

“I’m thrilled to be joining the BikeExchange business in their milestone, tenth year,” Watkin said, noting that it presents an exciting opportunity to mix his passion for business and his passion for cycling and sport.

“Cycling has always been a daily part of my life too, whether I’m commuting, doing group rides or racing…The more we discussed the Global CEO position, and the more I understood about their recent strategy work, I just became more and more buoyed by the potential ahead – in the end, I jumped at the opportunity to take the role.”

BikeExchange is owned and operated by Marketplacer, and is one of more than twenty online marketplace businesses currently operating on their proprietary software platform. This will soon include Myer’s recently announced marketplace.

The appointment of Mark Watkin is the second major executive talent acquisition for the group in as many months, following the recent appointment of Nick Baker as CEO of Outdoria in August.