CrossFit has a new CEO and owner Greg Glassman
In a letter to his community today, CrossFit announced that it has a new CEO and owner: Eric Rosa.
"Because I discovered CrossFit 10 years ago, it has changed my life, and I have the opportunity to lead CrossFit through my next chapter as CEO and owner after the closing next month," Rosa Wrote in a letter shared by CrossFit on Instagram.
Greg Glassman, the founding founder, sole proprietor, and former CEO of CrossFit, is selling the company to Eric Rosa, a technology executive and owner of CrossFit Sanitas in Boulder, Colorado. Glassman recently retired from his position as CEO of CrossFit following a racist tweet and leaked personal statements led to a rebellion between the sports community and sponsors.
The announcement comes during a month of turmoil for CrossFit, which began with former CEO Greg Glassman making insensitive comments on Twitter regarding George Floyd.
The CrossFit Twitter account first shared the news in a statement from Glassman threaded through several tweets.
On June 4, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation posted a tweet stating, “Racism and discrimination are critical public health issues that demand an urgent response, wherever they occur.” Glassman responded to the tweet: “It’s FLOYD-19.”
Shortly after the announcement, current CrossFit CEO Dave Castro tweet backing the move, acknowledging that Roja would soon take on the role of CEO.
Roza released his own statement on Twitter announcing the move and crediting CrossFit for changing his life since he discovered the sport a decade ago.
"My view is simple: racism and sexism are abhorrent and will not be tolerated in CrossFit," Roza's statement reads, referring to Glassman racist tweets and statements and a bombshell New York Times report alleging his leadership was responsible for a pervasive corporate culture of sexism. "We open our arms to everyone, and I will be working hard to rebuild bridges with those whose trust we have lost."
Following the comment, Reebok announced on June 7 that it was ending its partnership with the organization. Our partnership with CrossFit headquarters comes later this year. Recently, we have been in discussion about a new agreement, however, in view of recent developments, we have decided to end our partnership with CrossFit Headquarters, Reebok said in an emailed statement to FN .
Glassman issued a public apology on 8 June, and announced his resignation the following day. CrossFit also said on June 9 that Glassman would be replaced by the company's veteran Dave Castro. The move, however, did not sit well with the sport's biggest names, including Katrin Davisdoit, who publicly stated that he would not compete at the 2020 CrossFit Games.
My moral compass and values. I stand to make it an easy decision for me: Im out. The only way I look ahead is for a blank slate. [Former CrossFit CEO] Greg [Glassman] and those who stood up doing so may not be part of the CF, DavidsDottir wrote on her personal Instagram account on 12 June.
A representative for Roza confirmed the sale, but declined to share any financial details about the transaction. CrossFit HQ did not respond to requests for comment before the publication of this story.
