Jennifer Brummitt Named CEO of Kalamazoo’s Gazelle Sports

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Jennifer Brummitt
Jennifer Brummitt // Photo courtesy of Gazelle Sports

Kalamazoo’s Gazelle Sports has named Jennifer Brummitt its first-ever CEO, effectively immediately.

Gazelle Sports has been transitioning its leadership structure from the founding partner team to new executive leadership. Brummitt joined the current executive team in 2018 and has been guiding its development.

As CEO, Brummit will continue to lead the executive team and formulate and guide Gazelle Sport’s strategic direction.

“It is absolutely my pleasure to announce Jen as our new CEO,” says Chris Lampen-Crowell, co-owner. “She has earned the confidence and trust of the partner team and every single Gazelle Sports employee she has worked with, led, and managed throughout her nearly two decades with us.”

Brummit has been with Gazelle Sports since 2003. She has worked at every level of the company, beginning as a part-time shipping and receiving staff member. She is being promoted from director of brand strategy, a position which she occupied since 2013.

Brummit created and managed Gazelle’s e-commerce business in 2007. She will continue to oversee it as CEO.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to lead Gazelle Sports into the future, and I am truly grateful for the foundation that has been built by our partner team,” says Brummitt.  “We have an incredible team and are uniquely positioned to be able to adapt in a rapidly changing retail environment, while remaining steadfast in our commitment to our core values and providing an outstanding customer experience across our channels.”

Gazelle Sports is making additional adjustments to the structure of its brand team. Cara Zerbel will take over as director of brand, with a focus on brand building, community engagement, strategic partnerships, and supporting the company’s equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives. Christina Morrow will move into the role of marketing manager, with oversight of marketing strategy and execution.

“Jen is a model of a brave leader who leads with courage, a whole heart, and builds deep trust,” says Lampen-Crowell.  “She makes us a stronger and healthier company.  I am confident, when the time comes, we will be leaving our business in very capable hands.”

Gazelle Sports was founded in 1985. The running specialty retailer has locations in Holland, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Northville, and Birmingham.