Leadership Overview
Triumph Higher Education Group has 9 executives leading key functions including strategic oversight, technology infrastructure, financial management, human resources, operational scaling, and academic leadership.
Dedicated to transforming culinary education through advanced technology, Triumph Higher Education Group empowers aspiring chefs and hospitality professionals by bridging the gap between traditional training and modern workforce demands.
Dedicated to transforming culinary education through advanced technology, Triumph Higher Education Group empowers aspiring chefs and hospitality professionals by bridging the gap between traditional training and modern workforce demands.
Leadership Roles at Triumph Higher Education Group
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 strategic vision for the organization. Larson architects long-term growth initiatives by integrating campus-based culinary programs with digital learning platforms. By aligning the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts with global hospitality trends, the Executive Chairman & Chief Executive Officer & President ensures the institution maintains a competitive edge in workforce development. Larson manages high-level relationships with stakeholders and board members to secure the financial and operational health of the enterprise. Through rigorous oversight of the executive team, Jack Larson drives the mission of transforming culinary education on a global scale. This leadership role involves constant evaluation of market shifts to ensure the organization remains a pioneer in technology-driven learning environments while expanding the reach of culinary training programs across diverse international markets.
C.R. Christopherson - Chief Financial Officer
C.R. Christopherson, the Chief Financial Officer at Triumph Higher Education Group, directs all fiscal planning and capital allocation strategies. Christopherson architects robust financial models to support the expansion of campus-based and online culinary programs. By overseeing budgetary discipline across the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts and Gecko Hospitality, Inc., the Chief Financial Officer ensures long-term sustainability. Christopherson manages investor relations and financial reporting to maintain transparency with stakeholders. This leadership role involves analyzing market trends to identify investment opportunities in workforce development services. C.R. Christopherson drives revenue growth by optimizing cost structures and resource distribution. Through meticulous financial oversight, Christopherson secures the capital necessary for technological advancements and geographic expansion. This strategic management of assets allows the organization to maintain a strong market position while delivering high-quality education and recruitment services to the hospitality industry.
Wheaton Jeremy - President & Chief Operating Officer
Wheaton Jeremy, the President & Chief Operating Officer at Triumph Higher Education Group, directs the daily execution of business operations across all divisions. Jeremy architects operational workflows that integrate campus-based culinary training with digital recruitment services. By overseeing the performance of the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, the President & Chief Operating Officer ensures consistent delivery of educational quality. Jeremy manages cross-functional teams to streamline processes and improve student outcomes. This leadership role involves coordinating with the executive team to implement strategic initiatives that drive growth in the hospitality sector. Wheaton Jeremy drives operational excellence by identifying bottlenecks and deploying efficient solutions. Through the management of day-to-day activities, Jeremy ensures that the organization meets its performance targets while maintaining high standards of service. This focus on operational efficiency supports the broader goal of transforming learning through technology and expanding market reach.
Marcus McMellon - President, Campus (Austin)
Marcus McMellon, the President, Campus (Austin) at Triumph Higher Education Group, directs all academic and administrative functions at the Austin location. McMellon architects local strategies to enhance student engagement and program completion rates. By overseeing the delivery of the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts curriculum, the President, Campus (Austin) ensures that local operations meet national quality standards. McMellon manages faculty recruitment and student support services to foster a productive learning environment. This role involves building partnerships with local hospitality businesses to facilitate internships and job placements. Marcus McMellon drives regional growth by promoting the value of technology-integrated culinary training. Through the management of campus-specific initiatives, McMellon contributes to the overall success of the organization. This leadership role requires a deep understanding of the local market and a commitment to providing students with the skills necessary for success in the culinary industry.
Kirk Bachmann - President, Campus (Boulder) & Provost
Kirk Bachmann, the President, Campus (Boulder) & Provost at Triumph Higher Education Group, directs academic standards and campus operations in Boulder. Bachmann architects the pedagogical framework for the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, ensuring curriculum relevance. By overseeing faculty development and academic policy, the President, Campus (Boulder) & Provost maintains the integrity of the educational programs. Bachmann manages the alignment of academic goals with the broader mission of the organization. This role involves collaborating with other campus leaders to standardize the student experience across all locations. Kirk Bachmann drives academic excellence by integrating modern culinary techniques with traditional training methods. Through the management of academic affairs, Bachmann ensures that students receive a comprehensive education that prepares them for the hospitality workforce. This leadership role requires a focus on continuous improvement and the maintenance of high educational standards.
Paul Ryan - President
Paul Ryan, the President at Triumph Higher Education Group, directs the expansion of workforce development services through Gecko Hospitality, Inc. and Auguste Escoffier Global Solutions. Ryan architects strategic partnerships with hospitality employers to address recruitment and training challenges. By overseeing the growth of these service-oriented divisions, the President ensures that the organization provides value beyond traditional education. Ryan manages the integration of recruitment services with the broader culinary training ecosystem. This role involves identifying new market opportunities and scaling service offerings to meet industry demand. Paul Ryan drives business development by fostering relationships with key stakeholders in the hospitality sector. Through the management of these specialized divisions, Ryan contributes to the overall mission of transforming the industry. This leadership role requires a focus on market expansion and the delivery of high-impact solutions that support the professional growth of students and industry partners.
Steve Georgis - Chief Technology Officer
Steve Georgis, the Chief Technology Officer at Triumph Higher Education Group, directs the digital transformation of culinary education delivery. Georgis architects scalable cloud infrastructure to support online learning platforms for the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts. By implementing advanced educational technology, the Chief Technology Officer ensures seamless access for students across North American and international markets. Georgis manages the integration of data analytics to track student performance and optimize curriculum delivery. This role requires constant collaboration with academic leaders to align technical capabilities with pedagogical goals. Steve Georgis drives innovation by deploying secure, high-performance systems that facilitate remote culinary training. Through the modernization of digital assets, Georgis supports the broader mission of the organization, ensuring that technology remains a primary driver of student success and operational efficiency within the competitive landscape of global higher education.
Jill Geimer - Chief Human Resources Officer
Jill Geimer, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Triumph Higher Education Group, directs talent acquisition and organizational development strategies. Geimer architects comprehensive programs to attract top-tier culinary educators and hospitality industry experts. By fostering a culture of innovation and excellence, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures alignment with the mission of the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts. Geimer manages employee engagement initiatives and performance management systems to support a high-performing workforce. This role involves collaborating with executive leadership to design compensation structures that reflect market standards in the education sector. Jill Geimer drives organizational health by implementing professional development pathways for staff. Through the strategic management of human capital, Geimer supports the operational scale of the company, ensuring that the organization possesses the necessary expertise to deliver world-class training and recruitment services across all regional operations.
Tom Ehrhardt - Chief Operations Officer
Tom Ehrhardt, the Chief Operations Officer at Triumph Higher Education Group, directs the logistics and supply chain functions for campus-based culinary programs. Ehrhardt architects efficient procurement processes for culinary equipment and ingredients required for student training. By overseeing facility management and operational safety standards, the Chief Operations Officer ensures a high-quality learning environment. Ehrhardt manages vendor relationships to optimize costs and maintain the integrity of the culinary curriculum. This role involves collaborating with academic leadership to align physical resources with educational requirements. Tom Ehrhardt drives operational efficiency by implementing standardized protocols across all campus locations. Through the management of physical assets and logistical support, Ehrhardt ensures that the organization delivers consistent, hands-on training experiences. This focus on operational reliability supports the company's mission to provide industry-leading culinary education while maintaining a scalable and sustainable business model.
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