Schwalbe completes Long-Planned Generational Leadership Transition

Schwalbe is setting the course for the next chapter of the company's history: on January 1, 2027, the family business will complete a generational leadership transition that has been carefully prepared over many years. After three formative decades at the helm, three of the four current managing directors — Frank Bohle, Andreas Grothe and Holger Jahn — will hand over leadership.

The fourth generation is taking on entrepreneurial responsibility as part of a diverse leadership team. Continuity is secured by Nico Simons, who remains in the executive leadership as Managing Director. In his role as CCO (Chief Commercial Officer), he will be responsible for the strategy and direction of global sales. Giovanna Salvato also remains part of the extended leadership team — she has held authorized signatory status at Schwalbe for six years.

The transition has been carefully prepared over several years. The new leadership structure is designed to ensure both continuity and future viability — as a values-driven family business with a stable ownership structure and a clear strategic direction.

Frank Bohle, CEO: "After three decades in executive management, I feel deep gratitude seeing how well-positioned Schwalbe has become for the future. It was especially important to us to prepare this generational transition early and responsibly. The next generation is taking over together with a broadly positioned team that brings deep knowledge of the company and strong expertise across their respective areas. This preserves what has defined us for decades: reliability, innovation, and a clear set of values."

Felix Jahn, currently head of the CSR department and grandson of company founder Ralf Bohle, will take on the role of CEO effective January 1, 2027. Speaking on behalf of the new leadership team, he says: "The bicycle is our passion and our way of life. That makes the trust placed in our new leadership team all the more humbling — from our family and from the entire workforce alike. A team of people deeply rooted in Schwalbe — including three women — is taking on responsibility together. We want to preserve the strong foundation Schwalbe has built and lead it responsibly into the future."

Responsibility will be deliberately spread across multiple leaders: the executive leadership team consists of eight members with deep expertise across their respective areas. At the same time, valuable experience remains within the company: three long-serving executives will take on expanded leadership responsibility with full signing authority. The two managing directors Frank Bohle and Andreas Grothe will remain closely connected to Schwalbe through the family business holding company and will continue to contribute their experience. Holger Jahn will also remain available to the company in an advisory capacity.

The New Leadership Team (effective January 1, 2027):
CEO: Felix Jahn (34) serves as Chief Executive Officer and company spokesperson, coordinating the executive leadership team. He currently heads the CSR department. Going forward, he will have overarching responsibility for the Technology and Supply Chain divisions as well as close collaboration with joint venture production partner Hung-A.
CCO: Nico Simons (46) serves as Chief Commercial Officer, responsible for leading the sales organization, shaping its strategic direction, and driving its digital transformation. He has been with Schwalbe since 2001 and has been part of executive management since 2021.
CMO: Philipp Jahn (38) serves as Chief Marketing Officer, responsible for marketing and strategic brand management. He is also a grandson of Ralf Bohle and has led the marketing department since 2022.
CSO: Clara Bohle (31) serves as Chief Strategy Officer, responsible for HR and corporate strategy. She is the daughter of Frank Bohle and built the Schwalbe Foundation, serving as its Managing Director since its establishment in 2025.
CFO: The Chief Financial Officer position will be filled by an external candidate. A separate announcement will follow.

Extended Leadership Team:
CPO (Chief People Officer): Giovanna Salvato (61) has been with the company since 2018 and has served as an authorized signatory since 2020. She will continue to oversee HR & Legal.
COO (Chief Operating Officer): Vanessa Schulte (37) has been with the company since 2009 and has led Supply Chain Management at Schwalbe since 2020. Going forward, she will oversee day-to-day operations across procurement, logistics, and production.
CTO (Chief Technology Officer): Felix Schäfermeier (38) has been with Schwalbe since 2013 and has served as head of the Product Management department for the past two years. Going forward, he will be responsible for all technical operations.

INFO: Ralf Bohle GmbH is an owner-managed family business headquartered in Reichshof, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Since 1973, the company has developed and marketed high-quality bicycle tires and tubes under the Schwalbe brand. As one of the leading tire brands in the international bicycle market, Schwalbe is present in more than 70 countries and stands for quality, innovation, and sustainability.