PeopleForBikes, the bicycle industry’s trade association and national advocacy group, announced the appointment of two new board members. Jesse Porter, managing director of the Americas at Specialized, joins the PeopleForBikes Coalition Board of Directors, and Robin Thurston, CEO and founder of Outside Interactive, Inc., joins the PeopleForBikes Foundation Board of Directors.
“With Robin and Jesse on our boards, we’re better positioned to strengthen industry coordination and support programs that expand access to all types of bicycling and audiences,” said Jenn Dice, president and CEO of PeopleForBikes. “Robin brings a strong track record of using media and technology to reach new audiences and communities. Jesse brings deep experience navigating the business of bikes, sales, and trade and supply chain complexity.”
Porter has more than 35 years of executive leadership experience building and scaling premium consumer businesses and leading complex, multi-market organizations. As managing director of the Americas at Specialized, he oversees strategy, people, and results across North and South America, with full P&L accountability across retail, wholesale, and direct channels.
“I’m excited to join the PeopleForBikes Coalition Board and support the industry’s work on trade, tariffs, and policies that directly affect how bicycles are manufactured and brought to market,” said Porter. “PeopleForBikes plays an important role in helping bike businesses align around shared priorities, and I look forward to contributing my experience to that effort.”
Thurston brings decades of experience leading media, technology, and lifestyle brands that connect people with outdoor experiences. As CEO and founder of Outside Interactive, Inc., the company behind Outsideand cycling brands like Velo, Pinkbike, MapMyRide, and BicycleRetailer.com, he has built platforms that reach large, engaged audiences through content, community, and digital products.
“As a lifelong cyclist, I’m honored to join the PeopleForBikes Foundation Board and support programs that help more people get on bikes,” said Thurston. “From community grants to outreach efforts, I’m excited to see how media and technology can be used to broaden participation and remove barriers to riding.”
About PeopleForBikes
The board of the PeopleForBikes Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, supports programs that expand access to bicycling, strengthen local communities, and advance education and advocacy to get more people on bikes more often. With nearly 1.2 million grassroots supporters, the Foundation works to make biking better for everyone.
