Swiss sportswear company On Holding AG has appointed Scott Maguire as its new chief operating officer, effective January, as the brand steps up efforts to scale innovations and take on rivals Nike and Adidas.
Maguire, who joined On in March as Chief Innovation Officer after holding senior roles at Dyson and Specialised Bicycle Components, will now combine innovation and operations in a dual role. The company stated that the move is designed to accelerate the integration of its technology-led projects, including the Lightspray robotic shoemaking system, which has been used to manufacture high-end marathon footwear and could be extended across its entire product portfolio.
He succeeds Samuel Wenger, who is leaving after eight years to pursue opportunities in the startup sector. Wenger played a key role in On’s rapid growth, establishing its sourcing office in Vietnam, overseeing its first retail stores, and leading finance functions through its 2021 IPO.
Founded in Zurich in 2010, On has grown into one of the fastest-rising names in performance footwear, known for its lightweight running shoes and expansion into tennis, outdoor gear, and apparel. The brand is currently in its final year of a three-year strategy aimed at doubling net sales and achieving high profitability.
Despite its strong margins, On’s shares have fallen 20% this year amid industry-wide headwinds. Analysts say the company’s ability to scale its premium-priced models, such as the $180 Cloudsurfer Max, and expand in Asia will be crucial to sustaining growth.
