Xponential Fitness Names Mike Nuzzo CEO
With a turnaround expert at the helm, Xponential Fitness enters a new chapter after divesting brands and clearing an SEC investigation
Xponential Fitness has named Mike Nuzzo chief executive officer, effective immediately.
Nuzzo succeeds Mark King, who resigned as CEO and director of the boutique fitness and wellness franchisor on Thursday after announcing in May that he would retire. The board of directors unanimously approved the leadership transition, Xponential said in a statementWednesday.
“I’m honored to join Xponential Fitness at such a pivotal time in the Company’s growth journey,” Nuzzo said. “With a strong portfolio of brands and a clear commitment to becoming the franchisor of choice, Xponential is well-positioned to expand its footprint across the U.S. and international markets. I’m excited to build on this momentum and deliver meaningful value for our franchisees, members and stakeholders.”
The leadership change comes as Xponential continues to streamline its operations. Late last month, the company sold Rumble Boxing and CycleBar to Extraordinary Brands, trimming its portfolio from eight to six boutique concepts. The move follows earlier divestitures of Row House, Stride Fitness and AKT. The transition also comes on the heels of a boost in investor confidence after the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission closed an 18-month investigation into Xponential without recommending action.
Nuzzo brings more than two decades of experience leading consumer retail and service businesses, with a focus on operational transformation and market expansion. Most recently, he served as CEO of Eyemart Express, where he led a turnaround that delivered significant revenue growth both in-store and online and culminated in the company’s acquisition by VSP Vision in January 2025.
He has also served as chief financial officer and chief operating officer at Petco, where he revitalized the pet services division and launched a chain of in-store veterinary hospitals that grew to more than 200 locations. He also played a key role in Petco’s 2016 sale, its 2021 IPO and its international expansion into Canada and Mexico.
Nuzzo’s earlier leadership experience includes roles at 4moms, GNC and Abercrombie & Fitch. He currently sits on the boards of KinderCare Learning Companies and Fleet Farm and holds an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and a degree in economics from Kenyon College.
“The Board is confident in Mike’s proven track record of operational excellence and strategic leadership, having delivered results across some of the most recognized names in the consumer services industry, with a strong track record across strategic, operational, financial, and growth-driving disciplines,” Xponential Fitness chairman Mark Grabowski said. “Mike’s experience scaling businesses and driving innovation, both domestically and internationally, makes him the ideal choice to lead Xponential. We’re excited about the future and thank Mr. King for his impactful contributions as CEO.”
The leadership change comes as the company shows signs of stabilization in its core franchise business. In its Q2 2025 earnings on Thursday, Xponential posted a 1% revenue decline in the second quarter to $76.2 million, citing softer equipment and merchandise sales. Still, system-wide sales in North America rose 12% to $473.5 million, and the boutique fitness franchisor opened 86 new studios during the quarter, bringing its global footprint to 3,327 studios and 6,344 licenses.