Simon Huntsman
Harpenden,Herts
Summary
Visionary professional with a strategic mindset focused on driving commercial success. Proven expertise in business development and customer management, leading to substantial growth and long-term partnerships. Strong background in performance sportswear design and development, complemented by recent commercial experience. Ready to leverage creative, technical, and commercial skills in a dynamic environment.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
Work history
Commercial Director
RHEON Labs Ltd
London
07.2019 - 01.2026
- Created and executed the business development strategy for RHEON film in the apparel sector, focussing on muscle and soft tissue control applications.
- Acquired a comprehensive customer base across both the sports, bra and lingerie markets including some of the best known brands in the industry.
- Developed strategic partnerships with key T1 suppliers to the brands.
- Launched the ‘Reactivewear’ concept at ‘Performance Days’ in Munich and Portland USA in 2023.
- Identified a market opportunity to create the concept of a ‘dynamic’ elastic technology (aimed at sports bra and lingerie market) using RHEON.
- Developed in partnership with ‘Stretchline’(Nov 2023-25) and launched at Performance Days in Munich Oct 2025 as ‘RHEON X Orbiknit’. Https://rheonlabs.com/news/rheon-labs-and-stretchline-launch-the-worlds-first-dynamic-bra-strap-technology/
- Performance Days Innovation award winner: https://www.performancedays.com/loop/marketplace/product-detail/58852.html
Freelance consultant
Galibier Ltd
09.2018 - 07.2019
- Created a clothing line for Pearson Cycles
Head of R&D
Rapha Racing Ltd
07.2014 - 09.2018
- Led the advanced/technical fabric developments.
- Developed the chamois pad technologies across all the different riding collections.
- Developed and tested the time-trial suit for the 2016 Team Sky Tour de France team.
Head of Product
Rapha Racing Ltd
01.2010 - 12.2013
- Managed the product functions: design, development and sourcing.
- Led the product design and development team building out each Rapha apparel collection – Pro Team, Brevet, Classic and City.
- Managed the design/development of all the products for Team Sky professional road racing team for the first season.
- Conducted competitor analysis to identify market opportunities.
- Built high-performing team by implementing robust recruitment process.
Product Manager
Rapha Racing Ltd
01.2006 - 12.2010
- Established the design and development team and work processes.
- Creating a new vendor base from scratch many of whom are still used today.
- Developed, tested and sourced all the early Rapha garments including Gen 1 Pro Team, Brevet and Classic styles
- Developed Rapha’s first road shoes, skincare range and luggage collection.
- Conducted competitor analysis to identify market opportunities.
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers.
Senior Technical Developer
Blue Associates / Red Sourcing Ltd
01.2004 - 12.2006
Senior Designer
Rohan Designs Ltd
01.1997 - 12.2004
Designer
Rohan Designs Ltd
01.1993 - 12.1997
Education
BA - Clothing
The London College of Fashion
09/1989 - 06/1993
Art Foundation -
Cambridge Regional College
09/1988 - 06/1989
3 A-levels - Business Studies, Art & Ceramics and Geography
The Leys School
Cambridge 09/1983 - 07/1988
Skills
- Microsoft Office
- Adobe Illustrator
- Full clean driving license
- Presentation skills
Affiliations
- • Music: percussion and singing • DIY and house re-furbishments • Gardening • Running (road and trail) and road cycling • Walking
Personal information
I am a committed member of my local church (Christchurch Harpenden) and serve by leading a mid-week bible study group and playing in the music team on a Sunday. I have also been involved with the recent acquisition of a new building for the church in a design capacity.
Achievements
Climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Kinabalu, completed the Annapurna circuit in Nepal and ridden seven ‘L’etape du Tour’ (Tour de France stages). Designed and managed the build of our family house. Completed an XCC (extreme character challenge) in Scotland.
Timeline
Commercial Director
RHEON Labs Ltd
07.2019 - 01.2026
Freelance consultant
Galibier Ltd
09.2018 - 07.2019
Head of R&D
Rapha Racing Ltd
07.2014 - 09.2018
Head of Product
Rapha Racing Ltd
01.2010 - 12.2013
Product Manager
Rapha Racing Ltd
01.2006 - 12.2010
Senior Technical Developer
Blue Associates / Red Sourcing Ltd
01.2004 - 12.2006
Senior Designer
Rohan Designs Ltd
01.1997 - 12.2004
Designer
Rohan Designs Ltd
01.1993 - 12.1997
BA - Clothing
The London College of Fashion
09/1989 - 06/1993
Art Foundation -
Cambridge Regional College
09/1988 - 06/1989
3 A-levels - Business Studies, Art & Ceramics and Geography
The Leys School
09/1983 - 07/1988