The company CrossFit® Inc. has undergone several management changes in recent years. In August 2020, Eric Roza bought the company and held the role of managing director for 18 months, before moving to the position of Frboard resident as of early 2022.
In August 2022, Father Faul, US Navy veteran with extensive experience in the technology industry, assumed the position of CEO.
Now, a few weeks before the start of the Semifinals and a few months before the Games, CrossFit® has laid off more than 20% of its employees.
Here are the words of the CEO:
“In evaluating our organization and our costs, taking into account the current economic context, the need to make some changes clearly emerged. While it was a difficult decision, these reductions will help us create a more sustainable business model, ensure we are prepared for the current economic uncertainty, and make big bets on our priorities going forward.”
Father Faul it did not provide the exact number of employees affected by the layoffs, nor did it provide details of the redundant positions.
Here is the (translated) letter sent to employees:
“Today I come to you to share some news about the difficult changes we are making at CrossFit® HQ. While these changes won't impact you on a daily basis, we wanted you to hear the news directly from us.
For the past few months, we've been working on how to set up CrossFit® to most effectively deliver the 2030 vision we shared earlier this year: reach 30 million people and build strong affiliates and coaches. Evaluating our organization and cost structure, taking into account the current economic context, the need to make some changes clearly emerged.
Unfortunately, the result of this assessment has led us to reduce the size of our team by approximately 20%, a decision we have not taken lightly. These talented members of our team have contributed so much to CrossFit® and we owe them a huge debt of gratitude.
While it was a tough decision, these reductions will help us create a more sustainable business model, make sure we're prepared for the current economic uncertainty, and make big bets on our priorities going forward.
I want to assure you that CrossFit® is financially stable and that we will continue to work hard to support you and the rest of our community. Q1 showed growth and momentum for CrossFit®, with progress in promoting new members, strong affiliate growth and retention, and a successful CrossFit® Open. Building strong affiliates remains a top priority for us in 2023, so expect to see more from us on that front.
As always, we are here to support you and we are grateful for your cooperation.
Thank you,
Don"
More CrossFit Changes ® in the future
In addition to layoffs, last week CrossFit® opened an RFP process, abbreviation of Request for Proposal, for determine the North American, Western and European Semifinal venues for 2024, 2025 and 2026.
Cities interested in hosting a semi-final must send a letter of interest by Friday 26 May 2023, followed by a full proposal by 30 June 2023.
As for which venues CrossFit® deems most suitable, these would be large arenas (hockey or basketball). You can read the whole CrossFit Semifinals RFP here.
The RFP does not include offers for future NOBULL CrossFit® Games sites. However, some candidates could be considered to host the Games in 2025 and beyond.
We already told you that the Games would remain in Madison until 2024 (city that hosts them since 2017), but for 2025 onwards the company is looking for a new location!
Who knows, do you think Italy could come forward? Let us know your opinions!