Viva Leisure makes key appointments to lead franchise expansion

Leading leisure group, Viva Leisure Limited has announced the appointment of industry veteran Kevin Mott as National Franchise Operations Manager and Kate Allott as National Operations Manager for its Rebalance brand.

Viva Leisure stepped into the franchising space when acquiring Australian Fitness Management Pty Limited (AFM), the master franchisor of the Plus Fitness brand of health clubs, in August 2020 and plans to rapidly expand its network franchising portfolio across Australia and overseas, offering Hiit Republic and Rebalance through its franchise business arm, Chain Collective Group.

With 32 successfully operating Hiit Republic (23 locations) and Rebalance (nine) studios in Australia, Mott and Allott will lead the Chain Collective Group’s growth strategy and continue to expand the franchise network.

Announcing the appointments, Viva Leisure’s Head of Franchising, Gordon Martin stated “Kevin and Kate bring a wealth of experience and industry knowledge, as well as a talent for strategic lateral thinking and the important franchisee-first approach to brand growth.

“These qualities complement our growth strategy both domestically and overseas and will enable us to achieve our goal of becoming the fastest-growing Australian fitness franchisor.”

Allott’s strategic leadership in member experience and execution of national fitness direction will be beneficial in the development and influence of the Rebalance franchise - backed by her elite background as a dancer, studio owner, club manager and personal trainer in corporately owned and large fitness franchises.

Looking forward to here new role, she advised “I’m excited to join Viva Leisure as National Operations Manager for Rebalance Pilates and Yoga, implementing and supporting the growth strategy as we transition the brand from being corporately owned to franchised.

“The continued growth and acquisition of Viva Leisure’s many brands is impressive, and I’m thrilled to be on this journey as they cement their position as a leading health club and operator across the globe.”

Mott joins Viva Leisure with three decades of international industry knowledge, in a move to advance Hitt Republic’s explosive franchise growth plan.

Having worked directly with over 200 franchisees across multiple brands in the last 10 years, building business performance based upon franchisor trust and strong franchisee engagement, he explains “Hiit Republic is built on a solid core of performing corporately owned studios and provides a tremendous foundation for franchisees to have trust in the model and I’m excited to join a group that has proven appetite for growth through people and innovation.”

Image: New Viva Leisure executives Kate Allott (left) and Kevin Mott. Credit: Viva Leisure.