Thomas Bauer will lead the bicycle division at the brand distributor and wholesaler from Hoya starting November 1, 2024
Hermann Hartje KG is expanding its management team as of November 1, 2024. Hermann Hartje, owner and personally liable partner, will appoint Thomas Bauer as managing director, alongside Wolfgang Arens and Dirk Zwick.
The technical director, Orm Warnecke, will report to Thomas Bauer with his team from product development and management, quality assurance, and customer service, as well as bicycle purchasing under the leadership of authorized signatory Frank Thies. Thomas Bauer’s responsibilities will also include bicycle production in Hoya, under the leadership of Werner Wolff, and OEM purchasing under the leadership of Rainer Linge. This will complete the restructuring in the bicycle sector, which has been initiated in recent years, with an additional focus at the management level.
"With his professional expertise, Mr. Bauer meets the demands of the versatile bicycle sector very well. With his insights into bicycle retail, wholesale, and the industry, Mr. Bauer is a good fit for Hermann Hartje KG. We look forward to working together," says Hermann Hartje.
Thomas Bauer explains his reasons for joining Hermann Hartje KG: "I come from retail myself and have known Hermann Hartje KG from the in-house trade fairs in Hoya. I fully support the company’s focus on service and its partnership philosophy. HARTJE is, for me, a modern traditional company where continuity and trust matter, and where openness to new topics is embraced. All the experiences from my previous leadership roles will now be integrated into my work at Hartje."
Diverse experience in retail, wholesale, and industry
Thomas Bauer is a trained bicycle mechanic master and has worked in various leadership positions at Derby Cycle Werke GmbH, Accell Group, and Pexco/Pierer Mobility GmbH. With his entry into Hermann Hartje KG in November 2024 and the return to the northern region, Thomas Bauer is completing a full circle.
