CHICAGO (BRAIN) — After 14 years as SRAM's full-time director of advocacy, Randy Neufeld will retire next month. Long-term SRAM employee Rob Cappucci will take over a redefined position as the company's director of advocacy and industry partnerships.
Neufeld joined SRAM in 2009 after the company established a $10 million SRAM Cycling Fund. The SCF distributed $2 million over five years to increase global cycling advocacy, growing relationships between non-profit cycling organizations and for-profit companies, and investing in mountain bike trails and safe city streets infrastructure. Neufeld stayed on for another decade, expanding advocacy in the European Union and deepening relationships with cycling organizations including IMBA, People for Bikes, League of American Cyclists, CIE, the European Cycling Federation, ZEF, and countless grassroots organizations.
In 2012 Neufeld received the Cycling Leadership Award at the Velo-city Global conference in Vancouver.
"Randy is a lifelong supporter of cycling infrastructure, beginning with his work at the Chicago Bike Federation and Active Trans, and we are incredibly grateful for his dedication to SRAM and to making cycling better and more accessible for everyone," said SRAM's founder and board chairman, Stan Day.
"I must thank SRAM, specifically Stan Day and Mike Mercuri, for the initial opportunity to join SRAM," said Neufeld. "Making connections and elevating the importance of cycling funding and infrastructure is what I have spent my life doing, and it's been a wonderful ride."
Cappucci joined SRAM in 2003 and has worked as an acquisition manager, team leader, and within the product management and continuous improvement teams.
"Rob has a strong understanding of our industry dynamics from both the business and rider sides and is well-suited to expand relationships with the global advocacy network," said Neufeld. "As the industry continues to focus on 'growing the pie' of riders, our best tool is leveraging the strength of the major industry suppliers working together."
Neufeld will work with Cappucci through September as part of the transition.