COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (BRAIN) — Jeff Pierce will succeed Chris Carmichael as Carmichael Training Systems CEO. Carmichael, who founded the company in 2000, will remain as chairman and chief endurance officer.
Pierce most recently was director of Elite Athletics at USA Cycling.
"For 22 years, CTS has always led from the front," Carmichael said. "As a bike racer and coach, I know when it's time to pull off and let fresh legs take over. CTS is my life's work and supports thousands of athletes, along with more than 60 coaches and staff. So, it was important for me to find a leader who can take the company forward as technologies and the coaching industry change. Jeff brings fresh and data-driven ideas for business development, and a strong record for organizational leadership and delivering consumer value. He also has a genuine connection to coaching and endurance sports. That combination is hard to find and it's what makes Jeff Pierce the perfect person to lead CTS forward."
Carmichael said his new role will allow more focus on mentoring coaches and creating athlete cycling experiences.
Pierce has held several senior leadership roles in the cycling and telecommunications industries, including 13 years with T-Mobile. He spent four years as director of Elite Athletics at USA Cycling. During his professional cycling career, Pierce won the 25th stage of the 1987 Tour de France and competed in seven Grand Tours. Carmichael and Pierce were teammates on the 7-Eleven Pro Cycling Team, and both were inducted into the United States Bicycling Hall of Fame.
"I am excited and energized by the opportunity to lead CTS into the future," said Pierce, who started as CEO on Monday. "I understand what this revered brand means to the CTS coaches and to the athletes they serve. We have an unmatched coach development program and customer service infrastructure and a dedicated team of the best coaches in the business."
