This issue of HCM we celebrate the return of industry legend Augie Nieto to Life Fitness. Nieto served as president from 1977 to 2000 and helped transform the company from a single-product business to one of the world’s largest commercial fitness equipment suppliers.
Nieto’s diagnosis with ALS in 2005 and subsequent battle with the disease is well documented, as is his contribution to a cure, which saw him establish a global charity, Augie’s Quest, with his wife, Lynne.
So far, the organisation has raised over US$75m towards research into a cure and Nieto’s strength, resolve and bravery in battling the disease has won him the respect of the industry and the wider business community.
Life Fitness says Nieto will return as a co-investor in the business and will also be appointed to its board of directors.
The move follows the acquisition of the company by KPS Capital Partners in July, which has been followed by a shake up of the management team and board.
New beginnings Life Fitness was valued at US$490m (€434m, £388m) at the time of the deal, which was below its previous valuation and the new owners are moving to drive business growth.
Jay Bernstein, partner at KPS said, “We’re thrilled to bring Augie back as an investor and a strategic partner. We’re confident that his experience and vision will help Life Fitness drive forward its legacy of being a strong, focused, and innovative global market leader.”
Life Fitness has also appointed Chris Clawson as its CEO, succeeding the outgoing Jason Worthy.
The company’s family of fitness brands includes Life Fitness, Hammer Strength, Cybex, Indoor Cycling Group and SCIFIT – all brought into the group by acquisition.
As Life Fitness has not yet optimised these investments, it will be interesting to see how strategy develops going forward under the new leadership and with Nieto back on the team.
Nieto has held numerous other non-exec and advisory roles and currently serves as an operating advisor to North Castle Partners while being on the board of Curves, Jenny Craig and Hydromassage.
Celebrating its milestone 5th anniversary, W3Fit EMEA returns in 2026 with an unmissable
gathering of the Health & Fitness industry’s most influential leaders. [more...]
Elevate is set to celebrate its 10th anniversary in style this June, with organisers
confirming the event’s largest-ever drinks reception as registrations continue to run more
than 10% ahead of last year. [more...]
This issue of HCM we celebrate the return of industry legend Augie Nieto to Life Fitness. Nieto served as president from 1977 to 2000 and helped transform the company from a single-product business to one of the world’s largest commercial fitness equipment suppliers.
Nieto’s diagnosis with ALS in 2005 and subsequent battle with the disease is well documented, as is his contribution to a cure, which saw him establish a global charity, Augie’s Quest, with his wife, Lynne.
So far, the organisation has raised over US$75m towards research into a cure and Nieto’s strength, resolve and bravery in battling the disease has won him the respect of the industry and the wider business community.
Life Fitness says Nieto will return as a co-investor in the business and will also be appointed to its board of directors.
The move follows the acquisition of the company by KPS Capital Partners in July, which has been followed by a shake up of the management team and board.
New beginnings Life Fitness was valued at US$490m (€434m, £388m) at the time of the deal, which was below its previous valuation and the new owners are moving to drive business growth.
Jay Bernstein, partner at KPS said, “We’re thrilled to bring Augie back as an investor and a strategic partner. We’re confident that his experience and vision will help Life Fitness drive forward its legacy of being a strong, focused, and innovative global market leader.”
Life Fitness has also appointed Chris Clawson as its CEO, succeeding the outgoing Jason Worthy.
The company’s family of fitness brands includes Life Fitness, Hammer Strength, Cybex, Indoor Cycling Group and SCIFIT – all brought into the group by acquisition.
As Life Fitness has not yet optimised these investments, it will be interesting to see how strategy develops going forward under the new leadership and with Nieto back on the team.
Nieto has held numerous other non-exec and advisory roles and currently serves as an operating advisor to North Castle Partners while being on the board of Curves, Jenny Craig and Hydromassage.
Global luxury hospitality brand, Six Senses, has partnered with longevity healthcare provider,
HUM2N, to launch a clinic at Six Senses London, at The Whiteley.
Premium London health club, KX Chelsea, will imminently unveil its most significant
redevelopment since its launch in 2002 to create an integrated wellness model combining
training, recovery and relaxation.
Researchers in the US have identified an antibody which could greatly reduce the loss of lean
muscle mass in people who are taking weight-loss medications.
Crunch Fitness has announced the launch of Crunch Reform Pilates – its own reformer concept
designed to bring this fast growing, but rather expensive, modality into the mainstream.
The 20th State of the Industry Report reveals a resilient, expanding and competitive
sector, the
importance of differentiation and the ongoing challenge of tackling inequalities.
Nuffield Health has told HCM that it takes its responsibilities towards its colleagues seriously
and is committed to meeting all legal obligations after news of a tribunal has made national
headlines.
Technogym has announced the launch of the Run X World Treadmill Championship, the first
world championship for running on connected treadmills over five kilometres.
Celebrating its milestone 5th anniversary, W3Fit EMEA returns in 2026 with an unmissable
gathering of the Health & Fitness industry’s most influential leaders. [more...]
Elevate is set to celebrate its 10th anniversary in style this June, with organisers
confirming the event’s largest-ever drinks reception as registrations continue to run more
than 10% ahead of last year. [more...]
