Ben Kornell named CEO and Andrew Sutherland CPO at Art of Problem Solving

Art of Problem Solving (AoPS), a provider of advanced curriculum in math, computer science, and language arts for grades 1–12, has appointed Ben Kornell as CEO and Andrew Sutherland as Chief Product Officer.

Founder and current CEO Richard Rusczyk will transition to a board role effective June 1.

Kornell previously led the Common Sense Media Growth Fund and served as CEO of AltSchool. He has also been an AoPS parent and school board member. Kornell said:

“So often schools are focused on raising the floor for struggling students, which is understandable given COVID learning loss. AoPS is focused on raising the academic ceiling for high-potential students. I've personally experienced the life-changing impact of AoPS with my own son, and so I'm thrilled to lead AoPS in challenging and inspiring learners across the country.”

Sutherland, who founded Quizlet, an education platform used by over 60 million monthly users, will oversee product development and curriculum expansion. He added:

“AoPS is a truly world-class program with Beast Academy for younger students and AoPS advanced math for older students. I am so excited to expand AoPS's reach through physical Academies and our digital products, as well as broadening our curricular offerings to include things like advanced computer science that just aren't offered in schools."

AoPS, founded by Rusczyk in 2003, was developed to move students away from rote memorization toward problem-solving strategies. The company now serves more than half a million students annually through online courses, textbooks, and in-person learning centers. AoPS students have been highly represented in top-tier math competitions including the International Mathematical Olympiad.

Richard Rusczyk said of the appointments:

“I'm thrilled to add Ben and Andrew into the AoPS family. Their personal missions and professional experiences are incredibly aligned with where we are headed as a company – to unlock the potential for the next generation of frontier intellectuals. It has been an amazing 20+ years on this journey, and I am excited to support the next 20+ years of AoPS as a member of the board."

Rusczyk joins a newly formed board chaired by Josh Taylor of Carina. New members also include Ahmed Khaishgi, CEO of AutoComplete, and Dushyant Saraph, COO and CPO of Match Group.