CrossFit Cuts 20% of Staff
CrossFit is still transitioning.
What’s happening: The functional fitness company laid off 20% of its workforce.
According to CEO Don Faul, the difficult decision was necessary to effectively achieve its mission of reaching more fitness seekers:
“In assessing our organization and cost structure, while considering the current economic environment, it became clear that we needed to make some changes.”
This news comes a few months ahead of the annual CrossFit Games, with affiliates receiving word via email last week.
Changing hands. The latest development in a years-long shakeup, CrossFit is trying to chart a new path forward:
- 2018–19: Founder Greg Glassman restructured the company over two rounds of layoffs.
- 2020: Embroiled in controversy, Glassman sold CrossFit to Eric Roza, who served as CEO for 18 months.
- 2022: US Marine vet and former Big Tech exec Don Faul stepped into the chief executive role.
Appearing on the Fitt Insider Podcast, Faul stressed the need for a cohesive step forward:
“There’s been a lot of change and uncertainty in the ecosystem… we need to put a plan in place to execute against that gives our community and partners consistency and clarity around where we’re going.”
Punchline: A juggernaut in its heyday, it’s still unclear if CrossFit can overcome the recent turmoil. But, with a global community of athletes and affiliates, restoring faith is within reach.
