Ironman Athlete Named Global Director Of Gatorade Sports Science Institute

Ironman triathlete Asker Jeukendrup has been named the Global Senior Director of the Gatorade Sports Science Institute.

PepsiCo Research and Development and Gatorade today named Asker Jeukendrup Global Senior Director of the Gatorade Sports Science Institute (GSSI). Jeukendrup, a distinguished author, Ironman triathlete and registered sports and exercise nutritionist, comes to GSSI from his position as Professor of Exercise Metabolism and Director of the Human Performance lab at the University of Birmingham in England.

Jeukendrup’s appointment reflects a commitment to refueling and expanding the brand’s scientific work and the resurgence of its prominence as a sports nutrition thought leader globally.

“From its invention, Gatorade has been a brand rooted in scientific innovation that helps athletes perform at their best,” said Sarah Robb O’Hagan, President of Gatorade North America and Global Chief Marketing Office, Sports Nutrition. “With Asker Jeukendrup leading our efforts at GSSI, we will be able to build on our history of science-based innovation. We look forward to the vast knowledge and insights Asker will bring to GSSI.”

Recognized as one of the world’s leading sports nutrition experts, Jeukendrup has authored several books and more than 200 journal articles on exercise and sports nutrition, and has worked with Olympic athletics and world champions. Originally from Haelen, The Netherlands, Jeukendrup holds a PhD from Maastricht University where he studied aspects of carbohydrate and fat metabolism during exercise. He is a registered sport and exercise nutritionist and a Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine and European College of Sports Sciences. Jeukendrup is also an accomplished long course triathlete having completed 18 Ironman triathlons including five Ironman World Championships in Hawaii.

“The opportunity to lead GSSI is thrilling,” said Jeukendrup. “GSSI has a unique voice in the sports science community that can reach and benefit so many athletes. My hope is that we can continue to lead not only in breaking new research ground, but in translating the science to make an impact on athletes’ lives.”

Jeukendrup, who will remain an adjunct professor at University of Birmingham, will be based in England. According to Greg Yep, Sr. Vice President of PepsiCo Research and Development, this global presence is a natural next step for the institute.

“Gatorade’s evolution from a sports drink company to a sports performance innovator is fueled by science and our reach must be inclusive to more athletes and sports across more countries,” said Yep. “Our scientific resources and point of view must become more global in nature to accommodate that. Asker joining the team is an important development for GSSI.”