January 8, 2026 – CAA Executive Search has recruited Kyle Albrecht as the new CEO of USA Gymnastics. In collaboration with CAA Executive Search, the group vetted candidates for three months. “Congratulations Kyle Albrecht, being named as the next CEO of USA Gymnastics,” Jason Hanold, president of CAA Executive Search, said in a LinkedIn post. “Thank you for the partnership Kathryn Carson, Justin Toman, and USA Gymnastics board and CEO search committee. We know you will do outstanding things together on behalf of the athletes, sport and fans, running into the LA28 Olympic & Paralympic Games!”
“We are incredibly excited to welcome Kyle as our next president and CEO,” USA Gymnastics chair Kathryn Carson said. “He has the leadership experience essential to continue USA Gymnastics’ growth, and his fresh perspective will provide new opportunities and leadership as we look to the LA 2028 Olympic Games as a catalyst for the sport of gymnastics and its athletes.”
Mr. Albrecht’s wide-ranging experience includes commercial and partnership development, grassroots participation programs, fan engagement, event management, and brand growth. Working with Major League Soccer since 2019, he was tapped in 2023 to be VP of MLS GO, where he has been responsible for the launch of MLS’s grassroots, youth participation platform. Last November he was named general manager of MLS NEXT, where he led the top youth soccer development program in America while delivering record growth.
Mr. Albrecht’s earlier MLS experience includes oversight of commercial strategy for MLS’s marquee events, including the MLS All-Star Game and MLS Cup, and developing MLS partner solutions with major corporate brands. He previously spent nine years with Under Armour, launching the brand’s soccer category and leading European sports marketing.
As president and CEO, Mr. Albrecht will lead USA Gymnastics’ operations and execution of the 2028 strategic plan. Key pillars of the plan include strengthening USA Gymnastics as a global leader in athletic achievement and culture, expanding participation, reinvesting in the gymnastics community, and advancing commercial and operational excellence.
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“USA Gymnastics provides an amazing opportunity to further elevate one of the most iconic sports in American culture,” Albrecht said. “It’s an honor to lead this organization into its next chapter — driving growth that advances athlete success, strengthens our community, and builds on the culture of safety and wellness that has defined the past six years. I look forward to working with the board, staff, and key stakeholders to continue elevating the sport at every level. Athlete safety and performance are the foundation of gymnastics. My goal is to be a true steward of the sport and to ensure everyone has access to participating in it. We want to continue to build upon the strong foundation that will carry us well beyond 2028.”
National Governing Body for Gymnastics
USA Gymnastics’ mission is to select and train the Olympic teams as well as promote the sport at all levels. The organization, which has more than 174,000 members, is the national governing body for gymnastics.
CAA Executive Search was co-founded by Joe Becher and Asher Simons in 2017. It serves the sports, entertainment, and media industries, working closely with its clients to help build leadership teams through executive search; designs and develops organizational structures and compensation plans; and engages with investors, venture capital and private equity firms on human capital due diligence projects, providing expert insight into senior management teams within acquisition targets. Since its launch, CAA Executive Search has worked across major global sports rightsholders, technology companies, record labels, esports leagues and franchises, gaming publishers, live entertainment promoters, sports betting companies, traditional and digital media businesses, agencies, global brands, private equity firms, VC funds, and family offices.
Hanold Associates Acquired By Creative Artists Agency
In a significant move within the executive recruiting landscape, Hanold Associates has been acquired by Creative Artists Agency (CAA). With the deal, Hanold’s expertise in recruiting diverse corporate HR talent will be integrated into CAA’s executive search division. Let’s go inside the deal!
Mr. Hanold founded Hanold Associates in 2010. His client roster spans across business scenarios and includes companies that range from Fortune 100, start-ups, and founder-led, to family offices, sports leagues, and private equity. His relationships are across industries with CEOs, founders, Board directors, corporate leaders and commissioners. Hanold Associates was acquired by entertainment and sports agency Creative Artists Agency (CAA) in 2024.
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Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media