About us
WHO WE ARE
An executive search boutique with roots in the bicycle industry
Sentinel Sports was founded in 2023 by Maik Geletneky — after more than 20 years of operational responsibility as Export Manager, European Sales Manager, OEM Lead, and Head of Sales at leading manufacturers in the international cycling industry. Today, building on this substance, we fill key positions in DACH, BENELUX, CEE, SEE, Asia, and North America — supported by an international network of industry insiders, each of whom has worked in the markets they now advise on.
HOW WE WORK
Four phases that differ from traditional personnel consulting.
01 Mandate Deep-Dive
No briefing from a job description. We sit down with the client and work out which character, experience, and style actually works in your company.
02 Insider Sourcing
We draw on our personal network in the European cycling industry. Top profiles aren't found on job portals — they change roles through trust.
03 Substance Interview
Our initial interview is not an HR conversation. We assess from our own experience whether a candidate has the substance for the position — through industry questions only someone who has held the role themselves can ask.
04 Contract Signing
We accompany you to contract signing and 18 months beyond. Our retention guarantee is the direct consequence of presenting only profiles we stand behind.
OUR INTERNATIONAL NETWORK
Sentinel Sports works with experienced industry specialists who each come from operational roles in their own markets. Every advisor brings their own mandate expertise — and direct access to local key contacts.
+49 151 4456 4718
Maik Geletneky
Founder and CEO
Over two decades of operational responsibility in the international bicycle and components industry. Stations at Bergamont, Ridley, Pinion, Humpert, Trelock, and Pentalock — as Export Manager, European Sales Manager, Brand Manager, and OEM Sales Director.
At Bergamont in Hamburg, responsible for the complete build-up of the global export business to 35 international representations in Asia, DACH, CEE, USA, and Latin America — with a threefold increase in turnover. At Ridley in Belgium, full P&L responsibility for the European markets and the CIS states. At Trelock-Allegion, build-up of an OEM business with over 100 active customers.
Graduate in Sports Science (University of Paderborn), specializing in sports economics and sports medicine. Fluent in German and English, with a basic knowledge of Spanish and Greek. Based in Paralimni, Cyprus.
Richard Wittenberg
Strategic HR Advisor USA
Richard Wittenberg joins us as Strategic HR Advisor with a focus on the U.S. market.
He knows the cycling industry not just as an advisor, but from the perspective of top management. With over 30 years of experience and stations as CEO and Vice President at industry leaders such as Cannondale, Ridley Bikes, and Pacific Cycle, he brings a network and expertise that is hard to match. He currently serves as CEO responsible for the founding and growth of Troxus USA.
Emil Norup
Strategic HR Advisor SCANDINAVIA
Emil Norup is a highly regarded industry expert, a trusted acquaintance, former colleague, and friend, with whom we share a long-standing professional relationship. With over 10 years of experience in the cycling industry, Emil has achieved remarkable success in Denmark as CEO, CCO, inventor, and founder of an international company specializing in an innovative digital bicycle lock with sensor technology.
Björn Gast
HR Specialist BENELUX
Through his consulting firm GBBC (Gast Bike Business Consulting), Björn strengthens our team with his extensive expertise. As an industry expert, Björn brings 12 years of experience in the cycling industry, including as Managing Director, CSO, and Sales Manager in the OEM sector. He is a passionate manager with an impressive track record in the cycling and mobility industry, combining deep expertise with a post-bachelor's degree in business administration.
Patrick Huang
HR Partner ASIA
Patrick Huang is our key contact for Asian companies seeking qualified professionals in Europe. With 15 years of experience in the cycling industry, Patrick has built deep knowledge and expertise working with clients across Asia, Europe, and America. He brings an impressive combination of expertise and international experience that significantly strengthens our consulting services in the Asia region.
+886-972700695
+886-436098350