Over the past 15 years, Rapha has fundamentally shaped the look and feel of modern cycling, essentially upending the entire apparel industry.
Fran stepped in just over a year ago to lead the company through its next chapter, navigating the challenging cycling apparel landscape with a brand that is searching for its idendity.
Fran's journey is remarkable—from managing her brother, pro cyclist David Millar, to running Team Sky, to turning around fashion brand Belstaff. Now she's tasked with reimagining Rapha's future while honoring its legacy. In this conversation, we explore her unconventional path, the complexities of running a global cycling apparel brand, and her vision for Rapha's evolution in an increasingly crowded and competitive market.
0:00 Introduction & Importance of Rapha
2:46 Fran’s Early Life & Family Background
3:25 Starting a Career & Managing David Millar
7:15 Event Promotion & British Cycling
12:48 Team Sky & Leadership Roles
17:54 Transition to BellStaff & Apparel Industry
21:13 Joining Rapha: Motivation & First Impressions
24:15 Righting the Ship at Rapha: Challenges & Strategy
34:22 Market Trends & Channel Strategy
40:44 Closing Thoughts & Contact Info
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