In a fiercely competitive elite player market how can you unveil a huge signing of one of the very best players in the world without engaging in open hostility with another brand or breaking the bank? Switch one form your sister brand of course!
The venture capital takeover of NODOR is resulting in some unusual interbrand activity in order to maximise the potential of both major names. The latest is the movement of Gian Van Veen, one of the youngest and most talented players in the game today, to the brand more associated with the legendary figures.
Here is how they announced the ‘transfer of Gian Van Veen from Red Dragon to Winmau:
Nodor Group, the world’s leading darts manufacturer and parent brand of iconic darts brands Winmau and Red Dragon, is pleased to announce today that Gian van Veen, the world’s number three ranked darts player, is joining the Winmau lineup.
Dutchman van Veen has been an ambassador for Red Dragon for 11 years, joining the brand at the age of just 12 years old, during which time he has established himself in the elite game and risen to become one of the world’s best players – reaching the World Darts Championship final in 2026.
van Veen now joins the Winmau family for this next chapter in his career, a natural alignment for a player whose game has evolved to reflect Winmau’s core identity of technicality, control and considered player.
Commenting on the transition from Red Dragon to Winmau, Gian van Veen said:
“I’m delighted to be joining Winmau as I look ahead to the next exciting chapter in my career. I have loved representing Red Dragon, which has played a hugely significant part in my journey so far.”
As van Veen enters the next chapter of his incredible career to date, stay tuned for more exciting news from the new Winmau ambassador. For more information, visit www.winmau.com
Now anyone who spotted the GVV leading the line for the new Autodarts product probably anticipated this change of scene. There has also been an instant launch of an entire range of GVV darts and goods.
Will there be more to come and how will the new balance between the brand balance out?
Images: PDC
Product Graphics: Winmau