Speedfit announces new General Manager

Fast growing EMS (electronic muscle stimulation) personal training franchise company, SpeedFit has appointed Craig Pritchard - former Jim’s Group Franchise Operations Manager and Bupa’s Regional Operations Manager - to the newly created role of General Manager Operations.

In this role Pritchard will oversee the operations for the SpeedFit brand nationally with a large focus on the east coast expansion.  

Pritchard (pictured) brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the brand, with ten years in both the fitness and franchising industries. He has strong operational and multi-site experience through the likes of Jim's Group and most recently Bupa, where he was in the role of Regional Business Performance Manager.

Based in Melbourne, Pritchard forms part of the SpeedFit leadership team, where he is responsible for operations, franchising and network growth.  

Pritchard’s first projects will be to grow and support the Victorian network; ensure that the SpeedFit franchise system has up to date policies and procedures; and ensure these are rolled out into every SpeedFit studio. As well as working with the team to set SpeedFit up as an NDIS provider.  

The role was created in response to an impressive last 12 months of business where the company experienced 127% year-onyear growth in the 2020/21 financial year, and opened 10 new studios across Perth, Melbourne, Sydney and the NSW Central Coast. Most recently the company has opened studios in East Gosford, NSW; the ACT; and at Karrinyup and Bull Creek in Western Australia and this month will expand into South Australia for the first time, with a brand new studio starting in North Adelaide.

Matej Varhalik, co-founder and Chief Executive of SpeedFit, notes “Craig has demonstrated some great results in leadership, onboarding and development of new franchisors and business growth and we are very excited to have him join the SpeedFit team. Craig is a value based leader focused on meaningful business outcomes, and I am delighted to welcome him to our expanding SpeedFit Head Office team.  

“SpeedFit combines fitness science and technology with a personal touch so each client receives a program that is tailored to their health and wellness needs. We pride ourselves on being able to do this in 20 minute sessions, which provides a significant benefit for people living busy lives and looking for ways to use their time more effectively.”

Commenting on his new role, Pritchard stated “I have been in the fitness and franchising industry for over 10 years and it is an industry that never stops evolving or improving what it has to offer.

“My initial focus with any team, whether it be Franchisor or small business teams is ensuring that the right people are in the right position and the team are working cohesively towards a set of clear goals. I’m excited to join SpeedFit at this time because I love the close-knit family feel of a small franchise system, and I believe it is poised for strong growth, particularly in the eastern states. I am really looking forward to working alongside Matej and the team to help take the business to the next level.”

Throughout his career Pritchard has applied his knowledge and experience to lead operations teams, coach new franchisors and manage stakeholder relationships. At Bupa he oversaw the operations of 120 Bupa-owned dental practices across six states and a total revenue in excess of $200 million. He lives by the motto ‘Culture eats strategy for breakfast’.

Click here to contact SpeedFit via their listing in the Australasian Leisure Management Supplier Directory.