USA Cycling appointed cycling industry veteran and USA Cycling Chairman of the Board, Brendan Quirk, to be its next CEO, replacing Rob DeMartini.
As reported, DeMartini will be leaving USA Cycling to join Utah-based upstart mattress makers Purple Innovation. DeMartini joined the organization in February 2019 coming from a leadership position as CEO of New Balance.
“I wholeheartedly enjoyed my time at USA Cycling,” said DeMartini. “We have a team fully committed to our mission of growing the sport and supporting Team USA. While Covid presented immense challenges to the organization, we’re well-positioned for rapid growth going into 2022 and I look forward to continuing to support the USA Cycling Foundation.”
Quirk has been a Board member at USA Cycling since December 2019. Previously, he was co-founder and CEO of Competitive Cyclist and North America President for Rapha. Most recently he served as Cycling Program Director for the Bentonville-based Runway Group. Quirk was elected Chairman of the Board earlier in 2021.
“I’ve worked side-by-side with Rob for two years, and I feel deep gratitude that we had such a capable leader to lead us through the difficulties presented by the pandemic,” said Quirk. “The organization is far better off for his time here.
“Our core focus will always be on supporting racing culture. USA Cycling is in the ideal position to introduce new riders into the sport and guide them in their journeys to becoming lifelong cyclists.” Quirk added, “We’ll be investing in three key areas of focus: Growing youth cycling, supporting grassroots rides and races, and maximizing the readiness of Team USA across all disciplines as we approach Paris 2024 and Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
“These are unprecedented times for growth and change in the American cycling industry. Communities are making huge investments in active transportation infrastructure, the gravel boom shows no signs of slowing and the rapid proliferation of e-bikes is redefining who we envision when we ask who an American cyclist is. We are becoming a nation of riders. Serving as USA Cycling CEO is a dream opportunity to use sport to help encourage this societal transformation.”
As part of this leadership change, current USA Cycling Board member Matt Barger will replace Quirk as chairman of the board following a vote by its Board of Directors.
Photos courtesy USA Cycling, Brendan Quirk
