F45 announces leadership changes with Mark Wahlberg named Chief Brand Officer

F45 Training Holdings Inc. has announced changes to its leadership team with the naming of industry veteran Tom Dowd as its new Chief Executive and Hollywood star and longtime F45 backer Mark Wahlberg taking on the role of Chief Brand Officer.

The appointments follow the Sydney founded and now Texas, USA-based company’s recent announcement of $90 million in new financing to improve its balance sheet and drive the business forward.

Taking on the role of Chief Executive with immediate effect, Tom Dowd succeeds outgoing interim Chief Executive Ben Coates, who remains on the company’s board of directors.

Described as a “seasoned operator who spent 25 years at GNC Holdings in a variety of executive leadership roles and, more recently, co-founded Performance Inspired™, a leading active lifestyle nutrition company, Dowd was one of the early investors in F45.

Commenting on the appointment, Gene Davis, Chairman of F45’s Board, stated “Tom has significant experience building successful franchise model and consumer goods businesses, cultivating globally resonant lifestyle brands, and developing high-performing teams, making him well suited to lead F45 into the future.

“We are delighted to bring Tom onboard to help further refine F45’s go-forward business strategy to deliver sustainable growth, enhance opportunities for our franchisees and team, and drive long-term value for shareholders.”

Dowd noted “I couldn’t be more energised to be named CEO.

“The Company is differentiated by its strong brand, dynamic and innovative programming, and a robust franchisee network - all of which I am confident will remain the cornerstones of our future success. I look forward to collaborating with the talented and passionate F45 team, as well as the Board, to take the business and brand to the next level for the benefit of all of our stakeholders.”

 In addition, F45 investor and brand ambassador Wahlberg, who has been a member of the Company’s Board since March 2019, has been named F45’s Chief Brand Officer.

Beyond being a renowned actor and producer, Wahlberg is a fitness enthusiast and high profile entrepreneur who has built a series of brands across the retail and consumer goods sectors, including having co-founded Wahlburgers, Municipal Apparel, and Performance Inspired™.

Wahlberg noted “just like our incredible training community, F45 has been laser focused in recent months on getting stronger and stronger, and I am thrilled to help the Company elevate its amazing brand and vision at this pivotal time.

“I am confident in our ability to enhance what I believe is already the world’s best workout for studio operators and our more than 300,000 committed members across the globe.”

Davis added “we are thrilled that Mark will be deepening his involvement with F45 and look forward to benefiting from his unique blend of business acumen and branding expertise.

“I am confident that under the leadership of Tom, Mark, and the rest of the management team, F45 will be poised to build on its strengths while evolving to unlock its full potential.”

Image: F45 investor Mark Wahlberg has taken on the role of the company's Chief Brand Officer. Credit: F45.