Todd Hitchcock Named COO of Universal Technical Institute, Driving Growth and Strategic Vision

Todd Hitchcock Takes the Helm as COO at Universal Technical Institute

On March 31, 2025, Universal Technical Institute, Inc. (NYSE: UTI), a prominent provider of workforce education in the fields of transportation, skilled trades, energy, and healthcare, announced the promotion of Todd Hitchcock to the position of Chief Operating Officer. This strategic move aims to further the execution of the company’s successful North Star Strategy, which focuses on growth, diversification, and operational optimization.

Hitchcock, who has been with the institution for five years, previously held the role of Executive Vice President, Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer. His extensive experience in leading transformative changes within educational organizations makes him a fitting choice for this pivotal role. With nearly three decades in the education sector, he has pioneered online learning in both K-12 and higher education, having served in senior roles at Florida Virtual Learning and Pearson Education.

Jerome Grant, CEO of Universal Technical Institute, expressed his enthusiasm regarding Hitchcock's new appointment, stating, "Todd has played a pivotal role in every aspect of the company's successful transformation." Grant believes that Hitchcock’s leadership will significantly enhance UTI's market position and better address the rising need for skilled workers across the United States.

The second phase of the North Star Strategy is impressively ambitious, aiming for a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 10% and an expansion of the Adjusted EBITDA margin to nearly 20% by the fiscal year 2029. This strategy is crucial as it lays the foundation for initiatives across both operational segments of the company: UTI, which provides education in transportation, skilled trades, and energy, and Concorde Career Colleges, focused on health professions including dental and nursing.

Hitchcock emphasized the company's unique standing, noting, "We exclusively operate in high demand segments of the labor market where our graduates are sought after by employers nationwide. This strong strategic foundation has allowed us to outperform across our key metrics, creating exceptional growth opportunities."

In addition to this crucial promotion, the company also appointed Adrienne DeTray as Chief Information Officer, thereby completely reshaping the executive leadership team. DeTray previously served as CIO at Adtalem Global Education, where she achieved notable successes in transforming IT functions to enhance operational efficiency.

DeTray expressed her excitement about joining UTI at such a transformative time, highlighting her commitment to leveraging technology as a means to drive innovation and improve workforce education. She aims to lead digital advancements that enhance student success and streamline operational processes.

In recent financial reports, Universal Technical Institute showed significant improvements in key metrics such as revenue and new student enrollments. The company has set optimistic guidance ranges for the fiscal year, signaling confidence in their strategic direction amid rising demand for skilled professionals.

Todd Hitchcock’s transition to COO marks a critical step for Universal Technical Institute, setting the stage for further achievements in meeting the evolving educational needs of today’s job market. The entire leadership team remains committed to providing exceptional educational experiences that not only resonate with students but also elevate employer satisfaction, key components that foster long-term shareholder value.

For more information about Universal Technical Institute and their various educational offerings, you can visit their website at www.uti.edu and follow them on LinkedIn or social media for the latest updates.