Triumph Higher Education Group Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Triumph Higher Education Group has 9 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, technology, operations, human resources, and campus management.

Driven by innovation, Triumph Higher Education Group transforms learning through technology, offering comprehensive culinary education and addressing critical workforce development needs in the hospitality sector.

Leadership Roles at Triumph Higher Education Group

  • Executive Chairman & Chief Executive Officer & President - Jack Larson
  • Chief Financial Officer - C.R. Christopherson
  • President & Chief Operating Officer - Wheaton Jeremy
  • President, Campus (Austin) - Marcus McMellon
  • President, Campus (Boulder) & Provost - Kirk Bachmann
  • President - Paul Ryan
  • Chief Technology Officer - Steve Georgis
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Jill Geimer
  • Chief Operations Officer - Thomas Ehrhardt
  • Jack Larson - Executive Chairman & Chief Executive Officer & President

    Jack Larson, the Executive Chairman & Chief Executive Officer & President at Triumph Higher Education Group, directs the overarching corporate strategy and operational execution. Larson's leadership guides the organization's mission to transform learning through technology, impacting both campus-based and online culinary education programs. This executive role involves setting the strategic vision for subsidiaries like the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Gecko Hospitality, Inc., and Auguste Escoffier Global Solutions. Larson ensures alignment across all business units, driving growth and innovation in workforce development and recruitment services within the culinary and hospitality industries. The scope of this position encompasses global market positioning and long-term financial health, solidifying Triumph Higher Education Group's pioneering status. Larson's executive oversight ensures the integration of educational offerings with industry demands, fostering a dynamic learning environment.

    C.R. Christopherson - Chief Financial Officer

    C.R. Christopherson, the Chief Financial Officer at Triumph Higher Education Group, manages all financial operations and fiscal strategy. Christopherson oversees budgeting, financial planning, and capital allocation across the organization's diverse educational and workforce development arms. This role is critical for ensuring the financial stability and sustainable growth of Triumph Higher Education Group, including its culinary arts schools and hospitality services. Christopherson's responsibilities extend to managing investor relations and securing funding to support technological advancements and program expansion. The Chief Financial Officer analyzes market trends and economic conditions to inform strategic financial decisions, safeguarding the company's assets and maximizing profitability. By implementing robust financial controls, Christopherson ensures compliance with all regulatory requirements and drives operational efficiency throughout the group.

    Wheaton Jeremy - President & Chief Operating Officer

    Wheaton Jeremy, the President & Chief Operating Officer at Triumph Higher Education Group, directs daily operations and ensures seamless execution of strategic initiatives. Jeremy's leadership focuses on optimizing operational efficiency across the organization's educational programs and workforce development services. This role is essential for integrating the functions of the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Gecko Hospitality, Inc., and Auguste Escoffier Global Solutions. Jeremy oversees the operational aspects of campus-based and online learning, ensuring high standards of delivery and student satisfaction. The President & Chief Operating Officer manages resource allocation and process improvements to support the company's growth objectives. Jeremy's operational expertise drives the effective implementation of technology in learning and recruitment services, reinforcing Triumph Higher Education Group's market leadership.

    Marcus McMellon - President, Campus (Austin)

    Marcus McMellon, the President, Campus (Austin) at Triumph Higher Education Group, directs the strategic operations and academic delivery for the Austin campus. McMellon ensures the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts campus in Austin provides an exceptional learning environment, aligning with the group's mission to transform culinary education. This leadership role involves overseeing faculty, student services, and campus administration to foster academic excellence and student success. McMellon's focus is on enhancing the campus's reputation and enrollment growth within the competitive culinary education market. The President, Campus (Austin) works to integrate campus-specific initiatives with the broader organizational goals of Triumph Higher Education Group, particularly concerning technological advancements in learning. McMellon's operational oversight guarantees the campus meets high standards of quality and relevance.

    Kirk Bachmann - President, Campus (Boulder) & Provost

    Kirk Bachmann, the President, Campus (Boulder) & Provost at Triumph Higher Education Group, leads academic affairs and campus operations for the Boulder location. Bachmann is instrumental in shaping the curriculum and educational standards for the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, ensuring its programs remain at the forefront of culinary education. This dual role emphasizes both administrative leadership and academic governance, driving the campus's mission to transform learning through technology. Bachmann oversees faculty development, student outcomes, and the integration of innovative teaching methodologies. The President, Campus (Boulder) & Provost works to enhance the campus's contribution to Triumph Higher Education Group's overall strategic objectives, including workforce development. Bachmann's commitment to academic rigor and operational excellence ensures a superior educational experience for students.

    Paul Ryan - President

    Paul Ryan, the President at Triumph Higher Education Group, drives strategic growth and operational excellence across key business units. Ryan's leadership focuses on enhancing the delivery of culinary education and workforce development services, aligning with the organization's technological transformation goals. This executive role involves overseeing significant aspects of Triumph Higher Education Group's market presence and expansion strategies. Ryan works to ensure seamless integration between educational programs and industry needs, particularly for the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts and its related entities. The President is dedicated to fostering innovation and maintaining high standards in all operational facets. Ryan's strategic direction supports the company's commitment to providing accessible, high-quality learning opportunities and addressing critical industry workforce challenges.

    Steve Georgis - Chief Technology Officer

    Steve Georgis, the Chief Technology Officer at Triumph Higher Education Group, architects the technological infrastructure and digital strategy. Georgis spearheads the integration of innovative technologies across all learning platforms, enhancing both campus-based and online educational experiences. This executive function is pivotal in driving Triumph Higher Education Group's commitment to transforming learning through technology. Georgis oversees the development and implementation of digital tools for the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts and supports the technological needs of Gecko Hospitality, Inc. and Auguste Escoffier Global Solutions. The Chief Technology Officer ensures the security, scalability, and efficiency of all IT systems, supporting workforce development initiatives. Georgis's strategic vision guides the adoption of emerging technologies to maintain a competitive edge in the education and hospitality sectors.

    Jill Geimer - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Jill Geimer, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Triumph Higher Education Group, leads talent acquisition, development, and organizational culture initiatives. Geimer is responsible for cultivating a high-performance workforce across all divisions, including the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts and its associated workforce development entities. This executive position ensures that Triumph Higher Education Group attracts, retains, and develops top talent essential for transforming learning through technology. Geimer oversees employee relations, compensation strategies, and benefits programs, fostering an environment that supports innovation and professional growth. The Chief Human Resources Officer plays a key part in aligning human capital strategies with the company's broader business objectives, particularly in the competitive culinary and hospitality sectors. Geimer's focus on employee engagement drives productivity and supports the organization's mission.

    Thomas Ehrhardt - Chief Operations Officer

    Thomas Ehrhardt, the Chief Operations Officer at Triumph Higher Education Group, oversees the operational execution of campus-based and online learning programs. Ehrhardt's responsibilities include managing the day-to-day activities of the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, ensuring high standards of educational delivery and student support. This role is critical for translating strategic objectives into tangible operational outcomes, driving efficiency and effectiveness across the organization. Ehrhardt also contributes to the operational strategies for workforce development initiatives through Gecko Hospitality, Inc. and Auguste Escoffier Global Solutions. The Chief Operations Officer focuses on process optimization, resource management, and the implementation of best practices to enhance service delivery. Ehrhardt's leadership ensures that operational frameworks support Triumph Higher Education Group's mission of transforming learning through technology.
    Thomas Ehrhardt

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Triumph Higher Education Group Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Triumph Higher Education Group?
    Triumph Higher Education Group is led by Jack Larson (Executive Chairman & Chief Executive Officer & President), along with executives such as C.R. Christopherson (Chief Financial Officer) and Wheaton Jeremy (President & Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Triumph Higher Education Group’s executive team?
    The executive team of Triumph Higher Education Group includes leaders such as Jack Larson (Executive Chairman & Chief Executive Officer & President), C.R. Christopherson (Chief Financial Officer), Wheaton Jeremy (President & Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Triumph Higher Education Group have?
    Triumph Higher Education Group has 9 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Triumph Higher Education Group’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Triumph Higher Education Group includes roles such as Executive Chairman & Chief Executive Officer & President, Chief Financial Officer, President & Chief Operating Officer, President, Campus (Austin), President, Campus (Boulder) & Provost.