Life Fitness announces ‘significant’ operational changes

Having been acquired by private equity firm KPS Capital Partners in May, leading global commercial strength and cardiovascular fitness brand Life Fitness has revealed changes in its management.

Described as leaving the business, including its Australian division, “poised for an exciting future”, the key change sees Chris Clawson’s appointed as Life Fitness’ new Chief Executive, making it his third return to the brand.

Clawson (pictured above) is a former President of Life Fitness (2010 to 2016); he was also previously President of Matrix Fitness Systems, and more recently Chairman of the USA's Sports and Fitness Industry Association.

Having joined Life Fitness in 1994 in a product development role, after 10 years with the company he went on to several fitness industry leadership roles before returning again in 2010.

Commenting on this appointment, Clawson stated “KPS has extensive experience in working successfully with businesses similar to ours, and so with their commitment to invest significantly into product development, coupled with my commitment to continue to drive the brand forward as an innovative global market leader, well, it all equates to a very exciting future for Life Fitness.”

KPS Partner Jay Bernstein added “Life Fitness has the largest global installed base of equipment, with approximately two million pieces of cardiovascular and strength equipment used regularly by over 60 million people worldwide.

“KPS’ track record of leveraging capital and investing in technology, innovation, growth and customer service, presents a tremendous opportunity for Life Fitness, so we look forward to building on this great platform, and the company’s strong heritage of design, innovation and product development. We are exceedingly confident that Life Fitness will thrive as an independent company.”

In May 2019, KPS entered into a US$490 million agreement with Life Fitness’s parent company, Brunswick Corporation to purchase Brunswick’s fitness business and related brands such as Life Fitness.

Clawson concluded “the recent changes are significant, but will serve as a great catalyst for us to continue to strengthen our position as a world-class brand and reinforce our reputation within the fitness industry, so we can continue to achieve our mission to inspire healthier lives.”

Life Fitness is the global leader in commercial strength and cardiovascular fitness equipment, manufacturing and selling its equipment under the brand names: Life Fitness, Hammer Strength, Cybex, Indoor Cycling Group and SCIFIT; and its equipment is distributed to 166 countries.

Click here to contact Life Fitness Australia via their entry in the Australasian Leisure Management Supplier Directory.