Having amassed almost 60 years’ experience, Hyde Sails recognise that to continue their impressive growth trajectory requires a robust business model, experienced leadership and a diverse product offering. Enlisting Charlie Bird as Chief Executive Officer is a fundamental move to transition Hyde towards this dynamic era of trade.
Charlie Bird comes from a sailing background and brings more than 20 years of marine brand development experience and expertise to Hyde Sails. He spent 16 years at Musto, specialising in product development, production, brand and cost management.
In December 2019 Charlie launched his own company, Wuzzos, designing, manufacturing and selling premium sailing footwear. The brand won a NOVO innovation award in 2021 and was also nominated for the prestigious British Yachting Awards 2021 for their innovative Wuzzos deck shoe personalisation.
Integrating Wuzzos into Hyde Sails presents Hyde with an opportunity 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 Hyde Sails already operate.
“My remit is to reinforce the sail making heritage of Hyde 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.
Nigel Grogan, managing director of Hyde Sails, moves to cchairman of Hyde Sails, maintaining ownership and control.
“Charlie has demonstrated exceptional brand development skills to navigate Wuzzos through three years of turbulence. His industry experience will play a key part in building a foundation for a step change in our growth,” explained Nigel Grogan.
