The Professional Triathletes Organisation (PTO) has appointed Peter Hutton as interim chairman, with Chris Kermode stepping down from the role.
Hutton, a long-time PTO board member, will take temporary charge as the organisation builds towards the launch of the new Triathlon World Tour in 2027.
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The former Meta head of sport and chief executive of pan-European sports broadcaster Eurosport has been a member of the PTO board since December 2020.
The departing Kermode, a former executive chairman and president of men’s tennis’ ATP, was appointed in 2022 and has been credited with “helping establish the PTO through an important phase.”
Kermode, who has served on the PTO’s board of directors since July 2020, took over from Charles Adamo, who held the position between 2016 and 2022.
He stated that “this is the right moment to step aside and allow the next phase of leadership to take shape.”
Sam Renouf, CEO of the PTO, said: “On behalf of the board and everyone at the PTO, I would like to thank Chris for the outstanding contribution he has made during his time as executive chairman. His leadership, insight, and experience have been instrumental in shaping the organisation and setting us on a strong path for future growth.”
On Hutton’s appointment, he added: “As we prepare for the industry-changing launch of the Triathlon World Tour, we are delighted to welcome Peter as chairman. Much of the PTO’s commercial appeal to partners and investors stems from pioneering a new model for professional sport – one that leverages emerging media to build a diversified business, rather than relying solely on traditional media rights.
“Peter’s leadership in these areas makes him an invaluable guide as we pursue our ambitions to grow the sport.”
In December, the PTO and the World Triathlon governing body announced the joint creation of the Triathlon World Tour next year.
The series will combine the existing T100 Triathlon World Tour (rebranded as such in January 2024), the World Triathlon Championship Series (rebranded), and World Triathlon Cups.
In total, both parties have said the Triathlon World Tour will grow to around 100 events annually from 2027.
Speaking on his appointment, Hutton said: “With the PTO now entering an incredibly exciting phase as we prepare for significant growth and transformation through the launch of the Triathlon World Tour, I look forward to helping our growing team and our partners, World Triathlon, to take the sport mainstream.”
“A central part of that vision, beyond the 80+ events, is to grow the triathlon community worldwide, feeding them with a year-round calendar of enhanced live, linear, and digital content. By doing so, we can create deeper connections with fans, bring new audiences into the sport, showcase the incredible athletes, and unlock the full potential of triathlon as a global property.”
