Exec Moves: New Hires at Xponential, The Vitamin Shoppe

Executive moves is ATN’s weekly roundup up of the key industry personnel changes

Xponential Fitness Names Jennifer Ryu Chief Financial Officer

Xponential Fitness has appointed Jennifer Ryu as chief financial officer, effective October 19, as the boutique fitness and wellness franchisor continues its review of strategic alternatives.

Ryu will succeed Robert Julian, who has served as interim CFO since March. Julian will remain with the company as a consultant during the transition.

Ryu brings more than 25 years of experience spanning finance, M&A, accounting, margin improvement and corporate strategy. Since 2019, she has served as executive vice president and CFO of Resources Connection, a publicly traded professional services firm. Her previous experience includes senior finance roles at Young’s Holdings and Kaiser Aluminum, following the start of her career at Deloitte.

“Her extensive public company experience, operational mindset and track record across finance, capital allocation and investor relations, combined with her disciplined, data-driven approach, make her a strong addition to our leadership team,” Xponential CEO Mike Nuzzo said.

Ryu joins Xponential as its board evaluates strategic alternatives aimed at maximizing shareholder value. The ongoing process is being led by the company’s independent directors, with Jefferies serving as financial advisor.

The Vitamin Shoppe Adds Two Executives to Leadership Team

The Vitamin Shoppe has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Kimberley Gardiner as executive vice president and chief marketing and growth officer and the promotion of Jack Gayton to senior vice president of merchandising.

Gardiner joins the wellness retailer from Tractor Supply Company, where she served as senior vice president and chief marketing officer. In her new role, she will oversee brand strategy, performance marketing, ecommerce, customer relationship management, personalization, loyalty and corporate communications. Her resume also includes marketing leadership positions at Volkswagen of America, Mitsubishi Motors North America, Kia Motors America and Toyota.

Gayton, who joined The Vitamin Shoppe in 2019, will lead the company’s merchandising and product development organization. He has helped expand its roster of exclusive and first-to-market products through partnerships with brands including Barebells, David Protein, GHOST, Gorilla Mind and Transparent Labs.

Gayton succeeds Muriel Gonzalez, president of The Vitamin Shoppe, who is retiring after a career spanning more than four decades. The company also promoted David DiTota to vice president and divisional merchandise manager as part of its new merchandising structure.

VASA Fitness Taps Liz Crisafi as Chief Marketing Officer

VASA Fitness has named Liz Crisafi chief marketing officer as the gym operator looks to sharpen its brand and accelerate growth across existing and new markets.

Crisafi joins VASA’s executive leadership team and reports directly to CEO Michael Osanloo. She will oversee brand strategy, performance marketing, customer relationship management, creative, communications, digital marketing and local-market activation, with a focus on member acquisition, engagement and retention.

Most recently, Crisafi served as chief marketing officer at Hornblower Group, where she led brand, demand generation, ecommerce, analytics, pricing and lifecycle marketing. Before joining Hornblower, she spent nearly a decade at IHG Hotels & Resorts, most recently as global vice president of integrated marketing, supporting a portfolio of 19 brands and more than 6,000 hotels.

“Her experience across complex, multi-location businesses will be especially valuable as we sharpen the VASA brand, expand into new markets and continue creating an experience that keeps members coming back,” Osanloo said.

VASA operates more than 70 clubs across the Midwest and Mountain regions.

WellBiz Brands Names John Thuringer VP of Franchise Growth

WellBiz Brands has appointed John Thuringer vice president of franchise growth as the beauty and wellness franchisor looks to attract new franchisees and expand its portfolio of concepts.

Thuringer joins WellBiz following 17 years at Purpose Brands, where he supported franchise development for Anytime Fitness and Waxing the City. He sold more than 800 licenses during his tenure, including over 250 in the past three years.

“John brings vast franchise development experience and a proven understanding of what it takes to grow brands at scale,” WellBiz Brands CEO Amanda Clark said. “His industry expertise and ability to build strong relationships with franchisees and internal teams will be valuable as we pursue the next phase of expansion across our brands.”

WellBiz Brands’ portfolio includes Fitness Together, Elements Massage, Drybar, Amazing Lash Studio and Radiant Waxing.

Carolyn Murphy Joins Infinity Wellness as Partner, Chief Brand Officer

Infinity Wellness has named model, entrepreneur and wellness advocate Carolyn Murphy as partner and chief brand officer as the supplement company looks to evolve beyond whole-food greens into a broader wellness platform.

Murphy will lead Infinity Wellness’ creative vision, overseeing brand storytelling, product positioning, creative direction and the consumer experience. She will also help guide the company’s long-term growth strategy.

Murphy has spent more than three decades in the fashion and beauty industries, appearing in campaigns for brands including Prada, Versace, Calvin Klein and Gucci. She also held a 25-year partnership with Estée Lauder.

“Carolyn embodies everything Infinity Wellness stands for,” CEO Lars Hem said. “She brings extraordinary creative vision, impeccable taste and, most importantly, a genuine passion for healthy living.”

Infinity Wellness offers a portfolio of whole-food-based supplements including greens, vitamin C and plant protein formulas. Founder Billy Merritt will continue serving as chief innovation officer, leading product formulation and education.