Tough Mudder announced today that President and CEO Kyle McLaughlin would be stepping down. McLaughlin is pursuing a new role outside obstacle course racing in the technology industry. He will remain an advisor to Tough Mudder to ensure a seamless transition in leadership. Stepping into his role will be the former head of Tough Mudder UK Giles Chater.
McLaughlin led Tough Mudder through the most turbulent period in Tough Mudder’s history over the last four years. His first major obstacle was dealing with a bankruptcy that led to the eventual acquisition of the company by their largest competitor, Spartan. After Tough Mudder became part of Spartan, McLaughlin remained on as President of the Tough Mudder division and by all accounts was able to continue to run the brand independently.
The acquisition of Tough Mudder by Spartan took place in early 2020, just before COVID shutdowns devastated the OCR industry for two years. McLaughlin and Tough Mudder pivoted to virtual events for all of 2020 including a 12-hour Virtual Toughest Mudder, a 24-hour Virtual World’s Toughest Mudder, and the new Tough Mudder Challenges co-branded with Marvel.
After a comeback year in 2021 including a return to the deserts of Nevada for World’s Toughest Mudder, Tough Mudder is well positioned with a full calendar of events in 2022 including the new 8-hour daytime race Tough Mudder Infinity.
The new President of Tough Mudder will be a familiar face to many in the Tough Mudder UK community, Giles Chater. Chater has been with Tough Mudder for eight years and most recently has served as Vice President, International for Spartan and Tough Mudder. Chater, along with Global Director of Product Chris Maltbie and Community Liason Jay Mazza will lead Tough Mudder going forward.
Spartan CEO Joe De Sena said “We’re grateful to Kyle for his dedication in guiding Tough Mudder to its current strength and excited to support Giles continuing to grow Tough Mudder in the US, UK and around the world.”
Over the past four years there has been no single person more responsible for the shepherding and success of Tough Mudder than Kyle McLaughlin. His departure from Tough Mudder and OCR is a great loss for the community.
