Thankfully, we haven't lost Jonathan Gault. The new CEO is Rob Simmelkjaer.
Let's hope he's like Jonathan Gault but with an even better first name ;)
Thankfully, we haven't lost Jonathan Gault. The new CEO is Rob Simmelkjaer.
Let's hope he's like Jonathan Gault but with an even better first name ;)
Wikipedia page is here:
Wedding announcement here:
From the mini article:
The good - he's smart, a runner, and a huge sports fan, having been an exec at ESPN and NBC Sports. Since 2019 he's been on a full-fledged sports wilderness, an on-air host for the Tennis Channel, a consultant for William Hill Sports Book, was Chairman of the Board of the Connecticut Lottery where he helped launch sports betting in CT (Thank you sir), started a company to interview you professionally for your memories, and even contemplated a run for Sec of State in Ct. Plus as a bonus, despite the press release calling him a "native New Yorker" (despite NBC saying he's a native of Haworth, NJ), it looks like he lives in Connecticut (it's my personal mission for people in Connecticut to take more pride in our state), and is a soccer dad.
The bad- He hasn't even started yet! I'm wishing him the best of luck as long as he's committed to keeping the NY Marathon as one of the premier foot races in the world. (But he did go to Dartmouth (Jon Gault's school) and Harvard ;) )
Twitter profile https://twitter.com/RobSimmelkjaer (lots of tennis posts which I like. Hopefully he realizes the NYC Marathon is a premier sporting event, not just a big fun run).
You guys missed a lot of the bad. He has ZERO experience both in running anything and running. He also looks unemployed. With all of the talent out there, picking an unemployed person with zero experience running an organization and in running (jogging some races doesn't count), this is a very underwhelming hire. Hempel was so much more qualified and should have been given the job full-time but she doesn't check the woke box.
The NYRRC went downhill after Fred died and the corporate suits took over, starting with Wittenberg.
Just a cash grab now.
The lack of management experience point you raised is a good one.
As for Hempel, are you sure she wanted the job? I thought I read on here that she didn't want the time commitment as she's a mom and what not.
I was a big fan of Wittenberg? She restored the marathon to international prominence. What was your issue with her?
One thing that is amazing to me is the Board has skirted free in all that went down.
I'm hoping the best for the guy. I said I wasn't doing any bad yesterday.
The NYTimes, Daily News, Post have nothing on the hire. The only article I saw on him where it looks like he spoke to a reporter was from Reueters. https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/nyrr-names-former-espn-executive-simmelkjaer-ceo-2022-10-06/ The writer was so focused on the diversity angle I'm not sure he had a change to present how he sees the sport of running. The writers doesn't seem to know Max Siegel is the head of USATF.
Anyway just found this letter to the editor. At least he's a baseball fan:
When was the last time it worked out well when an organization hired someone with no experience running anything and no experience in the organization's industry? It's not a good way to pick someone to run a fairly high profile organization. Do you really believe NYRR's claim that Hempel did not want the job?
As a Dartmouth graduate myself, I'm thrilled to see my college represented! I also used to work at New York Road Runners, in the days of Fred Lebow, and am eager to see its new leadership break new ground.
This has Max Siegel syndrome all over it...hiring a suave media guy who you think can solve all your problems. Thinking a non-running guy knows more than a running guy seems to be endemic in running.
Meanwhile they lost a large amount of staff and mismeasured their last big race (bronx 10)
But I wish him well - seems to be a good guy.
Jesus Christ, the only reason Rojo and Wejo care so much is bc the guy is an Ivy League grad. STFU already
I'm going to change the title. I don't like it. I could care less he went to Dartmouth. It just shows he's a smart guy. Robert was just trying to rib Jon Gault.