Triumph Higher Education Group Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Committed to revolutionizing culinary training, Triumph Higher Education Group delivers advanced educational solutions through technology-driven platforms. This organization empowers students and hospitality professionals globally by bridging the gap between traditional culinary arts and modern workforce demands.

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 - Tom 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 strategic vision for the organization. Larson architects long-term growth initiatives by integrating the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts with broader hospitality workforce development goals. By aligning corporate objectives with technological advancements in education, the Chief Executive Officer ensures the company maintains a competitive edge in the global market. Larson oversees the expansion of online and campus-based programs, fostering partnerships that enhance student outcomes. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to refine the mission of transforming culinary learning. Through rigorous oversight of all business units, Jack Larson drives operational excellence and financial sustainability. The Chief Executive Officer maintains a focus on scaling the impact of the organization across diverse international markets, ensuring that every educational offering meets the highest industry standards for quality and professional readiness.

    C.R. Christopherson - Chief Financial Officer

    C.R. Christopherson, the Chief Financial Officer at Triumph Higher Education Group, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies for the entire organization. Christopherson architects robust financial models that support the expansion of culinary programs and workforce development services. By overseeing budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that resources align with the strategic goals of the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts. C.R. Christopherson drives efficiency across all departments, identifying opportunities for cost optimization without compromising educational quality. This leadership role involves frequent interaction with the Board to provide transparency regarding financial performance and long-term investment potential. By managing complex financial risks associated with global operations, the Chief Financial Officer secures the stability necessary for sustained growth. Christopherson maintains a rigorous focus on fiscal discipline, ensuring that the organization remains well-positioned to navigate the evolving landscape of the education and hospitality industries while delivering consistent value to stakeholders.
    C.R. Christopherson

    Wheaton Jeremy - President & Chief Operating Officer

    Wheaton Jeremy, the President & Chief Operating Officer at Triumph Higher Education Group, executes the daily operational strategies that sustain the organization's growth. Jeremy architects efficient workflows across all campus-based and online culinary programs, ensuring that operational processes support the academic mission. By overseeing the integration of Gecko Hospitality, Inc. and Auguste Escoffier Global Solutions, the President & Chief Operating Officer drives synergy between recruitment services and educational offerings. Wheaton Jeremy manages the cross-functional teams responsible for delivering high-quality student experiences. This leadership role involves constant monitoring of operational metrics to identify areas for improvement and scalability. By streamlining administrative functions, the President & Chief Operating Officer ensures that the organization remains agile in a rapidly changing market. Jeremy maintains a focus on operational excellence, ensuring that every department functions in harmony to support the overarching goal of transforming culinary education through technology and professional development initiatives across North American markets.

    Marcus McMellon - President, Campus (Austin)

    Marcus McMellon, the President, Campus (Austin) at Triumph Higher Education Group, directs all academic and administrative activities at the Austin location. McMellon architects local initiatives that align the campus curriculum with the broader mission of the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts. By overseeing faculty management and student services, the President, Campus (Austin) ensures that the educational experience meets the high standards expected by aspiring chefs. Marcus McMellon drives community engagement and local industry partnerships, enhancing the reputation of the campus within the regional culinary landscape. This leadership role involves collaborating with the central office to implement standardized educational practices while maintaining the unique character of the Austin campus. By focusing on student retention and academic success, the President, Campus (Austin) contributes directly to the overall growth of the organization. McMellon maintains a commitment to excellence, ensuring that the Austin campus remains a premier destination for culinary education and professional development.

    Kirk Bachmann - President, Campus (Boulder) & Provost

    Kirk Bachmann, the President, Campus (Boulder) & Provost at Triumph Higher Education Group, directs the academic integrity and curriculum development for the entire organization. Bachmann architects the educational standards that define the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts experience. By overseeing faculty development and academic policy, the President, Campus (Boulder) & Provost ensures that all programs remain rigorous and relevant to the hospitality industry. Kirk Bachmann drives the implementation of innovative teaching methodologies that enhance student learning outcomes. This leadership role involves working closely with campus presidents to maintain consistency across all locations while fostering academic excellence. By managing the accreditation process and academic compliance, the President, Campus (Boulder) & Provost secures the reputation of the institution. Bachmann maintains a focus on the quality of instruction, ensuring that every student receives a world-class education that prepares them for successful careers in the culinary and hospitality sectors.

    Paul Ryan - President

    Paul Ryan, the President at Triumph Higher Education Group, directs the strategic expansion of the organization's workforce development services. Ryan architects partnerships with industry leaders to ensure that the training provided by Auguste Escoffier Global Solutions meets the evolving needs of the hospitality sector. By overseeing the growth of recruitment and training initiatives, the President ensures that the organization effectively addresses workforce development challenges. Paul Ryan drives the alignment of corporate services with the needs of working adults seeking professional advancement. This leadership role involves collaborating with other executives to integrate workforce solutions into the broader educational ecosystem. By focusing on market expansion and client acquisition, the President strengthens the company's position as a leader in culinary and hospitality training. Ryan maintains a commitment to delivering measurable results for both students and corporate partners, ensuring that the organization continues to provide high-impact solutions that drive professional success across the industry.

    Steve Georgis - Chief Technology Officer

    Steve Georgis, the Chief Technology Officer at Triumph Higher Education Group, manages the digital infrastructure supporting all online culinary education programs. Georgis architects scalable learning management systems that facilitate seamless interaction between students and instructors across the globe. By implementing cutting-edge educational technology, the Chief Technology Officer enhances the accessibility of the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts curriculum. Steve Georgis drives the integration of data analytics to monitor student progress and optimize learning outcomes. This role involves close coordination with academic leaders to ensure that digital tools align with pedagogical requirements. By securing the network and protecting sensitive student data, Georgis maintains the integrity of the entire digital ecosystem. The Chief Technology Officer continuously evaluates emerging technologies to keep the organization at the forefront of the education sector, ensuring that every technological investment directly supports the mission of providing world-class culinary training to a diverse, geographically dispersed student population.

    Jill Geimer - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Jill Geimer, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Triumph Higher Education Group, directs the talent acquisition and organizational development strategies for the entire workforce. Geimer architects programs that foster a culture of excellence among faculty and staff at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts. By overseeing recruitment, performance management, and employee engagement, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the organization attracts top-tier culinary educators and industry professionals. Jill Geimer drives initiatives that support professional growth and internal mobility, aligning human capital with the broader mission of the company. This leadership role involves collaborating with other C-suite executives to build a high-performing team capable of executing complex educational strategies. By implementing comprehensive training and development frameworks, the Chief Human Resources Officer strengthens the internal capabilities of the organization. Geimer maintains a focus on building a diverse and inclusive workplace, ensuring that the company remains a preferred employer within the competitive education and hospitality sectors.

    Tom Ehrhardt - Chief Operations Officer

    Tom Ehrhardt, the Chief Operations Officer at Triumph Higher Education Group, manages the logistical and supply chain requirements for the culinary training facilities. Ehrhardt architects systems that ensure the consistent delivery of materials and equipment necessary for both campus-based and online culinary education. By overseeing the physical infrastructure and operational logistics, the Chief Operations Officer supports the seamless execution of the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts curriculum. Tom Ehrhardt drives efficiency in facility management, ensuring that all learning environments meet safety and industry standards. This leadership role involves coordinating with academic and financial leaders to optimize resource allocation for campus operations. By managing vendor relationships and procurement processes, the Chief Operations Officer maintains the quality of the tools and ingredients used by students. Ehrhardt focuses on operational reliability, ensuring that the physical and logistical foundations of the organization remain robust enough to support the company's mission of providing superior culinary training.
    Tom 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.