The past couple of weeks have been a busy one in the fitness industry. Below is a roundup of the latest investments, leadership changes and announcements taking place at health clubs and vendors nationwide.
North Castle Partners Invests in CR Fitness
Private equity firm North Castle Partners announced a new strategic partnership with CR Fitness, a leading franchisee group in the Crunch Fitness network in the Southeast region of the U.S. The terms of the investment were not disclosed.
Headquartered in Brandon, Florida, CR Fitness’ goal is to rapidly expand its Crunch gym footprint across the U.S. The franchisee currently operates 20 locations in Florida and Atlanta and is set to open three more locations in 2019.
“We are excited to welcome the management team of CR Fitness to the North Castle family and to re-enter the traditional fitness club space, especially in the attractive high-value, low-price segment where Crunch operates,” said Jon Canarick, the managing director for North Castle. “Our passion for the fitness industry dates back to one of North Castle’s original investments in Equinox Fitness almost 19 years ago.”
Anytime Fitness Appoints New CIO and CMO
Anytime Fitness’ parent company, Self Esteem Brands, has announced two leadership appointments.
Tammylynne Jonas has been appointed to CIO, overseeing all of the company’s brands, including Anytime Fitness, Basecamp Fitness and Waxing the City.
“We believe Tammylynne’s broad technology and leadership background will help position our brands for sustained future growth,” said Chuck Runyon, CEO, in a statement. “We understand that it’s essential to meet the ever-evolving needs of our consumers’ and our franchisees’ in new and exciting ways. Tammylynne’s experience and unique skillset will help us not only meet those needs, but anticipate them.”
In addition, Amy Halford has been promoted to the position of global chief marketing officer for Self Esteem Brands. For the past year, Halford served as vice president of marketing for the company and its multiple franchise businesses.
“We hired a nationally-known search company to help us identify the best possible candidate for our new global CMO position,” said Dave Mortensen, president and co-founder of Self Esteem Brands, in a statement. “The search company met with Amy and then told us that they’d be wasting our time and money if they looked at other candidates. In the short time that she’s been with Self Esteem Brands, Amy already understands our customers and our business needs better than any outsider possibly could.”
Mo Hagan named COO of canfitpro
Maureen ‘Mo’ Hagan has been named chief operating officer of canfitpro, Canada’s largest fitness education company. Hagan previously held the role of vice president of program innovation and fitness development for canfitpro.
“Mo is passionate, tenacious, ambitious, and has an incredible depth of knowledge of the fitness industry, both in Canada and internationally,” said David Patchell-Evans, the president and founder of canfitpro. “Mo’s innovation and forward thinking will allow her to create and execute on directives and strategies that will help canfitpro transform, evolve and continue to thrive.”
In her new role, Hagan will be responsible for canfitpro’s operations, procedures and financial success through vision and leadership.
Life Fitness Names Chris Clawson New CEO
Life Fitness announced the appointment of Chris Clawson as CEO. Clawson served as president of Life Fitness from 2010 to 2016, and most recently was chairman of the Sports and Fitness Industry Association. He succeeds Jason Worthy, effective immediately.
“Given his extensive fitness industry and leadership experience, we believe that Chris is uniquely positioned to once again lead Life Fitness and help the company succeed under KPS’ ownership,” said Jay Bernstein, a partner at KPS Capital Partners, Life Fitness’ majority shareholder, in a statement. “We thank Jason for his many contributions during his tenure with Life Fitness, particularly his leadership during a time of change and transition, and wish him every success in the future.”
Life Fitness also announced that Steve Klyn has been appointed chief financial officer. Klyn has worked with KPS since 2012 as CFO of one of its portfolio companies, International Equipment Solutions.
Active Wellness Announces New COO
Active Wellness announced the appointment of Michele Wong to chief operating officer. Wong has been with Active Wellness since its inception in 2014, and previously was vice president of operations, providing services for an expanding roster of multi-tenant, medical and community fitness centers in North America.
“Michele is an invaluable asset on Team Active, and she’s instrumental in client relationships, new site acquisition and infrastructure improvements,” said Bill McBride, co-founder and CEO of Active Wellness, in a statement. “As our company continues to grow, we’ve come to rely on Michele’s discerning judgment and collaboration.”
Wong’s extensive operational and programming expertise in multiple fitness models facilitates Active’s ability to deliver on its mission to support positive change in people’s lives and help more communities live actively.
“I’m eager to continue my personal mission with Active Wellness to provide unmatched offerings for our clients and help individuals find their best self through a healthy mind, body and spirit,” said Wong, in a statement. “My goal is to continue to lead our team in building communities that inspire unique wellness journeys. I’m proud of the exceptional service our team delivers for our clients and the impact we make daily in changing lives for the better. We bring a full-service approach to our partnerships with expertise in every aspect of design and operations, which makes all the difference in the end result.”
