That's team work

The IBFI has created a new executive committee to help take bike fitting to the next level

We’ve seen some big changes and new people join the IBFI over the last few months, and the first issue of International Bike Fit seemed like the perfect place to introduce them.

Back in April last year, the IBFI’s steering committee started discussing the idea of a non-executive director to help ensure the institute has the support it needs to continue to grow and thrive.

The committee was also keen to find someone who could help the IBFI in its ambitions to create a liability insurance policy for its members, which is why insurance expert Clive O’Connell was approached for the role (more details below).

Following Clive’s installation as non-executive director, the committee also decided to create secretary and treasurer roles to further help the IBFI streamline and strengthen its operations.

Australia-based Paul Kelly was recommended as someone who could help the IBFI manage membership applications, and seemed the perfect fit for the Institute’s secretary.

Meanwhile UK finance director and accountant Louise Stovell was identified as the perfect treasurer for the IBFI, and immediately made recommendations about how membership fees are managed.

The final change has been to shift the role of the vice president from the steering committee to the executive committee. Kit Vogel, the IBFI’s former vice president has remained in her role on the steering committee, while UK fitter Lee Prescott has been installed as the new vice president on the executive committee. The aim of these changes is to not only help the IBFI run more smoothly, but also ensure it is transparent and accountable to members. The executive committee has already been working hard to drive new initiatives and improvements, and will be sharing updates with members soon.

In the meantime, if you have any suggestions or questions, email IBFI president Andy Brooke andy@ibfi-certification.com.

The IBFI executive committee:

President: Andy Brooke

Andy is the founder and President of the IBFI and has been a fitter for 10 years. He’s currently finishing a PhD in Biomechanics.

After studying Economics and Politics at University, Andy quickly changed careers and switched to the cycling industry. Having worked in cycling retail he moved into sport development for British Cycling, before spending a year in Spain working as a guide and mechanic on cycling holidays.

Andy has a passion for learning and has attended over a dozen bike fitting courses across the globe. He also helped organise the 2019 IBFI Asia conference.

Vice President: Lee Prescott

Having designed and built his own bike frames from the age of 11, Lee’s passion for design led him to degrees in Industrial Product Design and Ergonomics, and further education at Sweden’s Mil Institute.

He has been a member of both the Chartered Society of Designers and the Institution of Engineering Designers. He started his professional career at Pashley Cycles in the UK and has since consulted for some of the largest companies globally, both in and outside of the bicycle industry.

Lee was the founding member of bike manufacturer Meteor Works, and is the lead bike fitter at his fit studio, Velo Atelier.

Non-Executive Director: Clive O’Connell

Solicitor Clive has practiced in London for almost 40 years, focussing mainly on reinsurance law and complex risk transfer. Clive brings a wealth of director and nonexecutive director experience to the IBFI, having worked with clients ranging from insurance companies to a non-profit which promotes cycling as a safe and healthy means of transport in the UK.

An advocate of the importance of bike fitting — especially for older riders — Clive rides a custom-built Serota Legend, which was one of the last to ever be made.

Secretary: Paul Kelly

Retired project manager Paul has years of experience of working with businesses to help implement new ways of working and ensure projects run as smoothly as possible.

Thanks to his interest in cycling, he has known Canberra-based fitter Steve Hogg for decades — a friendship that has opened his eyes to some of the challenges facing bike fitters, and given him the chance to learn about the bike fit industry.

Treasurer: Louise Stovell

Finance director Louise has over 20 years’ experience of working with British companies ranging from IT to design experts. Her history of working budgeting and financial planning means she’s perfectly placed to help the IBFI grow in a sustainable way.

Got comments or questions about how the IBFI committee works? Email andy@ibfi-certification.com