credit: RockSalt Pilates

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

RockSalt Pilates Taps Stephanie Knepp as COO

RockSalt Pilates has named Stephanie Knepp chief operating officer as the boutique fitness brand builds its U.S. franchise footprint and prepares to enter the United Arab Emirates.

Knepp brings more than two decades of experience spanning fitness, wellness, operations and franchising. She most recently served as CEO of Sit Still Kids Salon, following franchise leadership positions at Zoom Room Franchising and WellBiz Brands. At RockSalt, she will oversee operational standards, franchisee support, training and studio openings.

Founded by Adrian Ramirez in 2012, RockSalt blends Pilates with cardio, resistance training, weights and choreography. The brand began franchising in 2024 and has eight operating studios, with four under construction and another five planned for the first quarter of 2027. RockSalt also reports commitments from five multi-unit development groups for 33 additional studios over the next four years.

Solv Wellness Names First Chief Medical Officer

Solv Wellness has appointed Dr. Christine Vaccaro as its first chief medical officer, adding clinical leadership as the women’s health company expands its education efforts around perimenopause and menopause.

A double board-certified urogynecologist and sexual medicine specialist, Vaccaro will guide the company’s menopause education strategy, help develop resources for patients and healthcare professionals, and represent Solv Wellness in media appearances and educational programs.

Vaccaro brings a background in clinical care, research and physician training. A West Point graduate and retired U.S. Army colonel, she spent 30 years in the military, serving as fellowship program director and service chief of urogynecology and reconstructive pelvic surgery at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. She currently practices in Bethesda, Maryland, alongside sexual medicine and menopause specialist Dr. Rachel Rubin.

Solv Wellness develops products and educational resources addressing women’s pelvic, urinary, vaginal and menopause health. Vaccaro joins a clinical leadership structure that also includes a medical advisory board.

IMG Academy Adds Presidents for Campus & Online Businesses

IMG Academy has promoted Mike Milliron to president of IMG Academy Campus and appointed Fred Santarpia as president of IMG Academy Online, following a major campus expansion and the global launch of IMG Academy+.

Milliron, who joined the organization in 2011 and became campus chief operating officer in 2024, will oversee its Bradenton, Florida, businesses, including the boarding school, camps, events, team training, hotel and golf club. As COO, he oversaw the largest capital expansion in IMG Academy’s history and the introduction of four sports in 18 months.

Santarpia joins from Endeavor Streaming, where he served as president and led global expansion strategy. His background also includes senior roles at Condé Nast, Moda Operandi and Vevo. He will lead IMG Academy’s digital businesses, including IMG Academy+, NCSA and SportsRecruits.

Santarpia succeeds Chris Ciaccio, who led the online business while serving as chief commercial officer. The 29-year IMG Academy veteran will focus on campus commercial operations and brand and commercial initiatives across the organization.

4Ever Young Taps Tony Nicholson to Lead Franchise Development

4Ever Young has named Tony Nicholson vice president of development as the anti-aging and wellness franchise works toward 100 open locations nationwide.

Nicholson brings more than two decades of franchise development and multi-unit ownership experience. He most recently served as vice president of franchise development at Scenthound, following development leadership roles at Self Esteem Brands, now part of Purpose Brands. He has also owned multiple Anytime Fitness and Scenthound locations.

At 4Ever Young, Nicholson will lead franchise recruitment, strengthen the development process and support expansion in priority markets, with a focus on attracting experienced multi-unit operators.

The membership-based brand offers services spanning diagnostics, hormone optimization, aesthetics, weight management and personalized wellness plans. Its expansion pipeline includes its first New York development agreement, with a center planned in Commack on Long Island, and an upcoming opening in Westfield, New Jersey. Additional target markets include Chicago, Austin, Maryland, Virginia and New Jersey.

Core Health & Fitness Names Joey Osborne President, James Drake Strategy Chief

Core Health & Fitness has named Joey Osborne president and James Drake chief strategy & development officer as the commercial fitness equipment company pursues global expansion and integrates recent acquisitions.

Osborne brings more than 33 years of commercial fitness industry experience. He will oversee global business operations, working alongside CEO Michael Bruno to drive organic growth, product innovation, operational performance and acquisition integration. At Core, Osborne has helped shape global sales strategy, expand customer relationships and support acquisitions.

Drake, who brings more than 22 years of experience, will oversee strategic growth initiatives, global business development and financing programs. He has worked across Core’s key accounts, financial solutions and acquisition activities. According to the company, Drake and his key accounts team doubled the division’s volume over the past two years.

The appointments follow Core’s acquisitions of Aktiv Solutions and Texas-based Comm-Fit. Its brand portfolio includes StairMaster, Star Trac, Nautilus, Schwinn, Throwdown, Wexer and Gym Rax.

Tags: