Professional Triathletes Organisation Appoints Peter Hutton To Chairman As Chris Kermode Steps Down

The Professional Triathletes Organisation (PTO) has announced that Peter Hutton will become its Chairman, as Chris Kermode steps down.

The long time PTO Board member moves into the role on an interim basis as the organisation prepares for its next phase of global growth and builds towards the launch of the new Triathlon World Tour in 2027.

The former Meta Head of Sport and Eurosport CEO has been a member of the PTO board since December 2020, and brings a valuable combination of commercial, broadcast and digital expertise, alongside a deep understanding of the rapidly evolving social landscape.

The departing Kermode was appointed in 2022 and brought extensive experience and credibility to the PTO, helping establish the organisation through an important phase.

This transition comes as the PTO sharpens its focus on scaling the organisation following the acquisition of Challenge Family earlier this year and evolving its strategic partnership with the sport’s international governing body, World Triathlon.

Speaking about his appointment, Hutton said: “I want to first of all thank and congratulate Chris on his tenure as Chairman and the huge impact that he has made. From joining as an early board member and becoming Chairman in 2022, to then announcing the next phase of our growth with the Triathlon World Tour in December last year, his experience, positive energy and practical know-how have been invaluable to the organisation’s rapid progress.”

“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.”

Kermode commented: “It has been a privilege to serve as Executive Chairman of the PTO and to support the organisation through such an important period of its development. I am proud of the progress that has been made in establishing the PTO as a credible and ambitious force within global sport.”

“I believe this is the right moment to step aside and allow the next phase of leadership to take shape. I am confident the organisation will continue to go from strength to strength as it builds towards 2027 and delivers on its long-term vision to transform the sport and take it mainstream.”

Sam Renouf, CEO of the PTO, thanked Kermode by saying: “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.”

“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.”