LEHI, Utah (December 14, 2021) — After just three years on the job at USA Cycling, during a period of intense financial turmoil as the organization coped with a major reduction in funding due to COVID-related race cancellations, current USA Cycling CEO Rob DeMartini will be leaving to join Utah-based Purple Innovation, the upstart mattress-maker known for their GelFlex Grid, as acting CEO and member of the Board of Directors.
“I am honored to take the helm at Purple, a company that has quickly established itself as a leader in the premium mattress category through its proprietary comfort solutions,” said DeMartini. “I look forward to working collaboratively with both the Board and the talented and passionate team of employees to strengthen the Company’s operations and best prepare Purple for its next phase of growth.”
Rob DeMartini is an experienced leader with a long history of strong growth and execution during his 37-year career. Mr. DeMartini served as President and Chief Executive Officer of New Balance from 2007 to 2019. Prior to joining New Balance, Mr. DeMartini worked at Procter & Gamble for 20 years.
USA Cycling has yet to put out an official statement on DeMartini’s departure; this article will be updated as more information becomes available.
Update 12/16/2021
According to a statement released on Thursday afternoon, DeMartini will be replaced by current Chairman of the Board of Directors, Brendan Quirk. Quirk will be replaced as Chairman by current Board member Matthew Barger.
“I’ve worked side-by-side with Rob for two years, and I feel deep gratitude that we had such a capable leader to lead us through the difficulties presented by the pandemic,” said Quirk. “The organization is far better off for his time here.
“Our core focus will always be on supporting racing culture. USA Cycling is in the ideal position to introduce new riders into the sport and guide them in their journeys to becoming lifelong cyclists.” Quirk added, “We’ll be investing in three key areas of focus: growing youth cycling, supporting grassroots rides and races, and maximizing the readiness of Team USA across all disciplines as we approach Paris 2024 and Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
“These are unprecedented times for growth and change in the American cycling industry. Communities are making huge investments in active transportation infrastructure; the gravel boom shows no signs of slowing; and the rapid proliferation of eBikes is redefining who we envision when we ask who an American cyclist is. We are becoming a nation of riders. Serving as USA Cycling CEO is a dream opportunity to use sport to help encourage this societal transformation.”
