Paul Rothbard returns to In-Shape, the company his father founded over 40 years ago, as CEO.
In-Shape Health Clubs announced its majority shareholder and previous CEO, Paul Rothbard, has returned to the company.
Rothbard will replace Francesca Schuler as CEO. Schuler is the founder and advisor to the California Fitness Alliance, and served as CEO of In-Shape for six years.
“We are grateful for Francesca’s leadership over the last few years and thank her for her contributions not just to In-Shape, but to the fitness industry as a whole,” said Rothbard, in a statement. “We know her passion for changing lives through fitness will serve the California Fitness Alliance incredibly well.”
Rothbard’s father founded In-Shape around 40 years ago, and it has since grown to 44 full-service health clubs in the state of California.
Rothbard shared he is excited to return to the role of CEO, which he departed in October 2016.
“My father started In-Shape over 40 years ago and it’s been part of my life for as long as I can remember,” continued Rothbard. “I loved my time leading the company as CEO, learned a lot during my time away from the business, and I am now eager to return to the company and role I love so much.”
In December 2020, In-Shape filed voluntarily filed for relief under Chapter 11, which allowed the company to restructure after the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and months of mandated shutdowns in California.
In addition to announcing the appointment of Rothbard to CEO, In-Shape shared the rest of its leadership team will remain intact, and that diversity remains a critical component to its culture.
“The executive team and I have major plans for the future of our business and are committed to bringing premiere fitness experiences the communities we serve to inspire our members to live life well,” added Rothbard.
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Rachel Zabonick-Chonko is the editor-in-chief of Club Solutions Magazine. She can be reached at rachel@peakemedia.com.
