The end of an Era..... Duke Departing from Competitor Group

SAN DIEGO, CA (BRAIN)—John Duke, senior vice-president of print media at Competitor Group, will leave the company. After two years at CGI, and 14 successful years as publisher of Triathlete Magazine, Duke has decided to pursue other opportunities that will be announced at a later date.


“John has been a huge asset to CGI,” said Peter Englehart, president and CEO. “His lists of accomplishments are many, of course, but there are some highlights that stand out. When CGI purchased Triathlete, Inside Triathlon, Velo News, Velo Press and Competitor Magazine we tapped John to spearhead the transition of these titles under the Competitor Group umbrella. He did an outstanding job. Also outstanding is the legacy he leaves behind from his years at Triathlete and his love and dedication to the multisport world.”


Duke began his career at Triathlete in 1997 as publisher. Prior to Triathlete, he worked as a sports marketing consultant with Reebok and remains a partner with Multisports.com.


“I have truly enjoyed my 14 years as publisher of Triathlete,” Duke said. “Over the past two years I have met many new people through the integration of CGI's numerous assets. I have established friendships that will last forever, but feel I am at a point in my career where I would like to pursue new opportunities.”


Also, CGI has announced expanded responsibilities for Andrew Hersam, executive vice-president of media. Hersam will assume direct oversight of print, digital and sponsorship sales for all of CGI’s media and event properties. SVP John Smith will continue to manage CGI’s national sales force reporting to Hersam. In his expanded duties, Hersam will also add the responsibilities previously handled by Duke.


“Since Andy joined CGI in August, our media properties have already seen a lift in revenue, circulation and editorial quality,” Englehart said. “He merges tremendous credibility in the endurance sports industry with a track record of success as a publishing and sponsorship executive, making him uniquely qualified to lead all of our media assets.”


These staffing changes follow the recent promotion of Inside Triathlon’s editor in chief and former editor of Triathlete, TJ Murphy, who has been appointed editorial director for all multisport media publications of CGI. Brad Culp, editor of Triathlete and Susan Grant, assistant editor of Inside Triathlon, now directly report to TJ.


“TJ’s promotion is consistent with the Competitor Group’s commitment to be a home for top talent,” Hersam said. “A gifted editor and writer, TJ’s years as editor in chief of Triathlete and then most recently as EIC of Inside Triathlon have been marked by his fierce dedication to editorial excellence, ambitious storytelling, dynamic service journalism and pushing the boundaries of magazine design and photography.”