FL: IRONMAN to Expand Tampa HQ, Create 70 Jobs
23 Mar, 2018
Governor Rick Scott 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 is 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.”
