Governor Rick Scott today announced that IRONMAN, a global endurance sports brand, will be expanding its Tampa headquarters and creating 70 new jobs. The company currently employs more than 160 Floridians. The new positions will include a variety of positions including sales, marketing, human resources, operations, finance and information technology. Governor Scott also recognized the company with a Governor’s Business Ambassador Award during the Enterprise Florida board meeting in West Palm Beach last week.
Governor Scott said, “I am proud to announce that IRONMAN will be expanding their headquarters to create 70 new jobs in Tampa Bay. Our work to cut more than $10 billion in taxes since 2011 has helped encourage global businesses like IRONMAN to continue investing in our state, which means more opportunities are available for our families. It was great to recognize IRONMAN with a Governor’s Business Ambassador Award for their commitment to creating jobs in Florida and I look forward to their continued success.”
Andrew Messick, president and chief executive officer of IRONMAN, said, “Since 1989 IRONMAN has had its headquarters in Florida, and we have found a great home here in Tampa over the last 10 years. We are proud of the growth IRONMAN has seen in our time here and we are enthusiastic about collaborating with local partners to continue that growth while showcasing the backdrop and amenities the Tampa Bay area has provided to us and our employees. Add in an accessible airport with national and international flight options and it is easy to see why Tampa is an ideal location for a global headquarters.”
Beginning as a single triathlon, IRONMAN is now celebrating its 40th anniversary and has grown to offer more than 250 events across 53 countries, including triathlons as well as running, cycling and mountain biking events. IRONMAN World Headquarters will also lease an additional 10,000 square feet in Tampa at the Lakeside office complex.
The project was made possible through strong partnerships between Enterprise Florida, the Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation, Hillsborough County, the City of Tampa and the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity. IRONMAN joins a growing number of corporate headquarters that have recently chosen to expand operations in Tampa and Hillsborough County, including Beneficial Blends, BlueGrace Logistics, Nitro, ReliaQuest, and Sunview Software.
Peter Antonacci, CEO of Enterprise Florida, Inc., said, “Enterprise Florida’s Board of Directors are proud to be part of this fantastic announcement. Florida’s great weather and business friendly environment are two of the many reasons Florida is the best place for IRONMAN’s headquarters.”
Cissy Proctor, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, said, “We are proud that IRONMAN chose Florida to expand and headquarter in Florida. This will grow jobs for Florida’s hardworking families and strengthen the Tampa Bay area.”
Commissioner Sandy Murman, chair of the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners said, “IRONMAN’s expansion is another great business success story for Hillsborough County. We are committed to supporting IRONMAN’s growth and appreciate the jobs they are creating and their continued investment in our community.”
Mayor Bob Buckhorn, City of Tampa, said, “We’re proud to have IRONMAN among Tampa’s corporate headquarters and excited to see them expanding in our market. Tampa’s pro-business environment, active lifestyle, and culture of innovation will make it easy for IRONMAN to attract the top international talent they need to keep growing.”
Alan F. List, MD, chairman of the Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation and president and CEO of Moffitt Cancer Center, said, “IRONMAN is another prime example of a locally headquartered company with a global reputation whose success is helping to shape Tampa’s economic future. The strength and diversity of our corporate headquarters are attracting more world-class companies and talent to Hillsborough County each year.”
Interested candidates are encouraged to visit the IRONMAN job site for more information about available positions.
About IRONMAN
A Wanda Sports Holdings company, IRONMAN operates a global portfolio of events that includes the IRONMAN® Triathlon Series, the IRONMAN® 70.3® Triathlon Series, 5150™ Triathlon Series, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series®, Iron Girl®, IRONKIDS®, International Triathlon Union World Triathlon Series races, road cycling events including the UCI Velothon® Series, mountain bike races including the Absa Cape Epic®, premier marathons including the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon, and other multisport races. IRONMAN’s events, together with all other Wanda Sports Holdings events, provide more than a million participants annually the benefits of endurance sports through the company’s vast offerings. The iconic IRONMAN® Series of events is the largest participation sports platform in the world. Since the inception of the IRONMAN® brand in 1978, athletes have proven that ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE® by crossing finish lines at the world’s most challenging endurance races. Beginning as a single race, IRONMAN has grown to become a global sensation with more than 200 events across 50 countries. For more information, visit ironman.com.
Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation (EDC) is the lead designated economic development agency for Hillsborough County and the cities of Tampa, Plant City and Temple Terrace. Established in 2009 as a partnership between the public sector and private corporate investors, the EDC works to develop and sustain a thriving local economy through the attraction, retention and expansion of high-wage jobs and capital investment within targeted industry sectors, including Corporate Headquarters, Financial and Shared Services, Life Sciences, Defense and Security, and Manufacturing. The EDC exists because of the generous support of more than 100 corporations, Hillsborough County, and the cities of Tampa, Plant City and Temple Terrace.
Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI) is a partnership between Florida’s businesses and government leaders and is the principal economic development organization for Florida. EFI facilitates job growth for Florida businesses through recruitment and retention, international trade and exporting, promotion of sporting events, and capital funding programs to assist small and minority businesses.
Hillsborough County, Florida is the commercial and industrial heart of Tampa Bay. The fourth largest county in the state of Florida, Hillsborough is home to over 1.3 million residents, with thousands more arriving each year. Its strength is drawn from being one of the most advanced economies and having one of the most educated workforces in the state. Hillsborough County and its three municipalities –Tampa, Plant City, and Temple Terrace – offer a competitive business environment and an abundance of regional assets including Port Tampa Bay, Tampa International Airport, and MacDill Air Force Base. County government is focused on creating economic prosperity for residents and businesses throughout the area.
