John Smith is a seasoned leader in the endurance sports world with a diverse background spanning publishing, media, events, and sponsorships. His journey began at Competitor Magazine, where he played a crucial role in expanding its reach to key endurance markets. He was instrumental in the merger/acquisition of Competitor Group in 2008, assuming the role of Senior Vice President and board member, driving sponsorship and media sales. His expertise fueled the success of major events, including TriRock series, Muddy Buddy series and Rock 'n' Roll Marathon series. He also helped grow the revenue of major endemic media titles, Competitor, Women’s Running, Triathlete, and VeloNews.

In subsequent years, John played pivotal roles in the packaging and sale of Competitor Group, leading to its final acquisition by the Ironman Group. His extensive experience led him to serve as Vice President of Global Partnerships for the Ironman Group. In 2020, he joined Gannett Media, where he drove strategic partnerships and transitioned their events division to virtual experiences during the pandemic, notably raising $1 Million in charitable funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Post-pandemic, he served as SVP of Strategy & Partnerships at Motiv Running.