After 25 years of having his name on the bikes and the building, Jim Felt is stepping away from Felt Bikes. While Jim will be leaving the company, Bill Duehring who Joined the company in 2001 will be staying on as the brand transitions to their new ownership under Groupe Rosignol. In addition to Jim’s exit from the company, Felt announced that they were also moving their headquarters – just not that far. Previously located in Irvine, CA, Felt says that they will be opening a new headquarters today just the the road in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA.
Press Release:
Irvine, CA (November 3, 2017) – Felt Bicycles founder and long-time head of sports marketing Mr. Jim Felt will be departing the company he founded in partnership with Mr. Bill Duehring.
Jim Felt recently had taken part in the sale of Felt Bicycles this past April to the outdoor industry company Groupe Rossignol with headquarters in Saint-Jean de Moirans, France. Jim Felt established Felt Racing in 1991 as an innovative frame manufacturer serving elite athletes. After forming a partnership with Bill Duehring – former Senior V.P. of Product Development and Engineering at GT Bicycles – and European partner Michael Muellmann – the trio worked together to successfully build one of the leading carbon and aero innovation brands in the cycling industry.
“Jim has been a tremendous part of Felt’s history and success these past 25 plus years and has and will continue to be both a colleague and a friend. I wish him all the best as he prepares for his next professional adventure,” says Bill Duehring.
Bruno Cercley, CEO of Groupe Rossignol stated, “At the first minute I met with Jim I knew our companies were built from the same DNA: racing, innovation, passion. I have been impressed by Jim’s vision about blending the 2 ingredients that made this company so successful: outstanding product engineering capabilities together with racing commitment. I have a lot of respect for Jim, the human being and his incredible achievements. After we now take the company to new steps as part of our Group I wish Jim all the best in his new life and am sure we will find ways to stay connected and cooperate in different formats.”
Jim Felt, founder of the Felt Bicycles company notes, “My deepest thanks and gratitude to everyone that has believed and supported me all of these years. I started Felt Bicycles because of my love and passion for cycling. That love still lives in me. My relationship with my athletes, suppliers, distributors, dealers, employees, consumers and friends will never change or be forgotten. Thanks for the ride!”
