Retro Fitness Names Former Starbucks Exec CEO

Retro Fitness has appointed former Starbucks executive Andrew Alfano as CEO. 

Alfano boasts more than 24 years in retail and franchising, formerly serving as president and COO of The Learning Experience, and senior vice president for Starbucks Coffee Company.

“I love to build brands,” said Alfano, in a statement. “Retro Fitness has all the characteristics of what I love — a compelling value proposition, strong franchisee base and a brand following with consumers ripe for growth and expansion. By offering members everything they love about a big-box gym and bundling it with personalized group classes, niche workout experiences and personal training, Retro Fitness has great potential for its next phase of growth.”

Retro Fitness was founded by Eric Casaburi in 2005 and today boasts 150 gyms in 15 states, serving more than 400,000 members. 

According to Retro Fitness, Alfano is joining the brand at a pivotal time. 

“Andrew joins Retro Fitness during a pivotal time in the company’s maturity,” said Ted Kovas, chairman of Retro Fitness, in a statement. “With his vast leadership experience and proven track record in rapid growth and brand building, he’s exactly what we need to take Retro into the future.”