Interplay Learning Appoints John Pumpelly to Lead Financial Strategy

U.S.-based immersive learning company Interplay Learning has named John Pumpelly as its new CFO, strengthening its executive leadership with software sector experience.

Pumpelly Brings Tech-Focused Financial Experience

Interplay Learning, a Texas-based company known for developing AI and VR-powered workforce training tools, has announced the appointment of John Pumpelly as its new Chief Financial Officer. With a career spanning several decades in the technology and software industry, Pumpelly’s background includes senior financial roles in both publicly traded and private equity-backed firms. He has held executive positions at companies such as Command Alkon, Updater, Stratix, and Cbeyond, primarily overseeing financial strategies for organizations with annual revenues ranging from $50 million to $500 million.

According to Interplay Learning CEO Doug Donovan, Pumpelly was selected not only for his financial expertise but also for his operational insight and ability to align company-wide vision. Donovan stated, “John has demonstrated himself to be resourceful and results-driven, and he brings the operational skill, financial acumen and software industry experience we prize within our leadership team. He is also someone who understands how to cast a vision organization-wide—a must for our rapidly-growing company.”

Expanding Access to Skilled Trades Education

Specializing in immersive learning technologies, Interplay Learning provides online training content tailored to skilled trades such as HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and solar energy. The company combines AI tools and virtual reality simulations to offer flexible and scalable educational solutions. With its acquisition of Industrial Training International (ITI), a leader in specialized industrial learning, Interplay has expanded its capabilities in the workforce development space.

In his new role, Pumpelly will focus on building financial strategies to support the company's continued growth in the training and certification markets. Commenting on his appointment, he said, “There is a growing need for training within the trades, and Interplay Learning meets that need with robust, results-oriented solutions. Interplay is on the cutting edge, and it's exciting to develop and implement strategies to help them maintain their market growth and fulfill their mission of building better careers and better lives.”

Recognition and Industry Reach

With nearly 600,000 individuals trained, Interplay Learning has earned several industry accolades in recent years, including Fast Company’s 2024 World’s Most Innovative Companies list, the 2024 AHR Innovation Award, the 2024 IACET Innovation of the Year Award, and recognition from Forbes as one of America’s Best Startup Employers in 2023.