Virgin Active announces new chief executive appointment

Virgin Active Health Clubs has announced that Dean Kowarski, founder of South Africa's The Real Foods Group, has been appointed as its Group Chief Executive.

Kowarski replaces ​​Matthew Bucknall, who had previously announced his intention to retire 25 years after co-founding the business, stepoing down as Chief Executive. He will remain as a special adviser to the Board and as a Non-Executive Director of Virgin Active Italy.

Virgin Active has also announced an internal promotion with Mark Field, currently Manager Director at Virgin Active South Africa, set to become Group Chief Financial Officer once a replacement for this current position has been appointed.

Kowarski’s appointment follows Virgin Active's acquisition of The Real Foods Group which he founded in 2013 and which has grown to 204 stores.

Active in, and with an in-depth understanding and passion for, the health and wellness space for many years, Kowarski is looking forward to his new role, commenting “this is an incredibly exciting moment for Virgin Active and The Real Foods Group.

“Both brands have been pioneers in their respective wellness fields, building local and international reputations for excellence.

“On the back of (this) transaction, we now have the opportunity to combine our skills to deliver a complete health offer around both fitness and nutrition so that our members can meet their health goals more successfully.”

Bucknall advised “it has long been our strategy to complete the virtuous circle of exercise, diet and health for our members. Combining Virgin Active’s leadership in exercise experience with Real Foods proven expertise in nutrition creates a very credible and compelling offer. Virgin Active is now ideally placed to support the ever-growing demand for healthier lifestyles.

“I have worked closely with Dean and the Real Food Group for many years and have every confidence in the success of the combined business.”

Coinciding with Kowarski’s appointment, Brait and Virgin Group, the existing shareholders of Virgin Active, will be investing an additional US$26 million in the business.

Explaining a goal to align fitness and nutrition while providing accessible exercise programs, Virgin Active Chair, Simon Susman “today’s announcements are an important next step for Virgin Active as we capitalise on positive health trends around the world.

“We are delighted to welcome Dean Kowarski as CEO.

“He has a strong track record at Real Foods and our two businesses have worked well together for many years. At the same time, I would like to thank Matthew for the enormous amount that he has achieved in his 25 years at Virgin Active. His ongoing experience as an adviser to the board will be invaluable.”

Kowarski went on to say “the additional investment in the business positions Virgin Active strongly to deliver growth over the long term.”

From its administrative base in South Africa Virgin Active operates more than 230 clubs in eight countries including Australia, Italy, Singapore, Thailand and the United Kingdom.

Images: Dean Kowarski (top) and exercisers at a Virgin Active (below).