United Kingdom

Hyde Sails 

Charlie Bird, founder of the premium boat shoe brand <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6705" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wuzzos (Company)">Wuzzos</a>, has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6706" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hyde Sails (Company)">Hyde Sails</a>. The move comes as <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6706" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hyde Sails (Company)">Hyde Sails</a> looks to continue its growth trajectory by expanding its diverse product offering and moving towards a new dynamic era of trade.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/226509/image/large-5898a859a0640e78dfe2d34d062d759c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/226509">Charlie Bird has amassed over 20 years of valuable marine brand development experience and expertise that he hopes will benefit <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6706" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hyde Sails (Company)">Hyde Sails</a>. After spending 16 years at Musto where he specialised in product development, production, brand, and cost management, Bird launched his own company, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6705" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wuzzos (Company)">Wuzzos</a>, in December 2019.&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6705" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wuzzos (Company)">Wuzzos</a> was born as a premium sailing footwear brand that designed and manufactured its own products. The brand won a NOVO innovation award in 2021 and was also nominated for the prestigious British Yachting Awards 2021 for their innovative <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6705" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wuzzos (Company)">Wuzzos</a> deck shoe personalisation.“My remit is to reinforce the sail making heritage of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6706" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hyde Sails (Company)">Hyde</a> and generate new business outside of sails. It is a fantastic opportunity to build and lead a team empowered to achieve this.” said Charlie Bird.The integration of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6705" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wuzzos (Company)">Wuzzos</a> into <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6706" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hyde Sails (Company)">Hyde Sails</a> prevents a unique opportunity for the company to access a business that has shown strong resilience to combat challenging times of the global pandemic, Brexit, and the conflict in Eastern Europe. The products are a seasoned fit for sailors across the world and will benefit from the established distribution channels that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6706" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hyde Sails (Company)">Hyde Sails</a> already operate.Nigel Grogan, the managing director of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6706" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hyde Sails (Company)">Hyde Sails</a> will maintain ownership and control of the company but will instead take the role of chairman to accommodate the change. “Charlie has demonstrated exceptional brand development skills to navigate <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6705" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wuzzos (Company)">Wuzzos</a> through three years of turbulence. His industry experience will play a key part in building a foundation for a step change in our growth.” added Nigel Grogan.&nbsp;

Charlie Bird appointed CEO of Hyde Sails

Charlie Bird, founder of the premium boat shoe brand Wuzzos, has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer at Hyde Sails.