Who is CEO of Gymshark is Ben Francis, a British entrepreneur who founded the fitness apparel brand in 2012 when he was just 19 years old.
What makes Ben Francis the right person to lead Gymshark?
Ben Francis is the founder and current CEO of Gymshark. He started the company in 2012 from his parents’ garage in the UK while he was still a university student. Francis combines a passion for fitness with business skills, and his deep understanding of the gym community helped Gymshark grow into a billion-dollar brand. He stepped down briefly as CEO in 2017 but returned to the role in 2021, proving his commitment to the brand he built.
How did Ben Francis build Gymshark into a global brand?
Ben Francis started Gymshark with just £300 in 2012, selling gym wear online and at fitness expos. He used social media and influencer marketing early on, partnering with fitness athletes and YouTubers to spread the brand. By 2020, Gymshark was valued at over £1 billion, making Francis one of the youngest billionaires in the UK. The company now sells in over 180 countries and employs hundreds of people at its headquarters in Solihull, England.
What is Ben Francis’s net worth?
Ben Francis’s net worth is estimated at over $1.5 billion AUD. In 2020, he sold a 21% stake in Gymshark to General Atlantic, a private equity firm, in a deal that valued the company at £1 billion (around $2 billion AUD). This sale confirmed Francis as one of the wealthiest young entrepreneurs in the UK. His fortune comes from his ownership stake in Gymshark, which continues to grow each year.
Why did Ben Francis step down as CEO in 2017?
Ben Francis stepped down as CEO in 2017 to bring in Steve Hewitt, a more experienced executive, to help scale the business. Francis realized that Gymshark needed professional management as it grew rapidly. He stayed involved as a major shareholder and product developer. In 2021, Francis returned as CEO because he wanted to lead the company through its next phase of growth. His return showed his dedication to Gymshark and his confidence in taking it to the next level.
What is Ben Francis’s leadership style?
Ben Francis leads with a focus on community, authenticity, and hard work. He built Gymshark around the idea of connecting with real gym-goers and fitness lovers, not just selling clothes. He values transparency and often shares behind-the-scenes content with customers on social media. Francis also believes in taking care of his team, offering competitive pay and benefits at Gymshark’s headquarters. His hands-on approach and willingness to listen to customers helped Gymshark stand out in a crowded market.
What are Ben Francis’s future plans for Gymshark?
Ben Francis aims to make Gymshark the world’s leading fitness apparel brand. He plans to expand into new markets, improve product quality, and open physical retail stores alongside the online business. Francis also wants to keep Gymshark’s community feel as the brand grows bigger. He has stated that going public with an IPO is a possibility in the future, but he is focused on long-term growth over quick profits.
FAQs
Is Ben Francis still the CEO of Gymshark?
Yes, Ben Francis is the current CEO of Gymshark as of 2025. He returned to the role in 2021 after stepping away in 2017.
How old was Ben Francis when he started Gymshark?
Ben Francis was 19 years old when he started Gymshark in 2012 while studying at Aston University.
Does Ben Francis own all of Gymshark?
No, Ben Francis owns the majority stake but sold 21% of Gymshark to General Atlantic in 2020. He remains the largest shareholder.
What did Ben Francis study at university?
Ben Francis studied Business Management and Industrial Placement at Aston University in Birmingham, England.
How much does Gymshark make per year?
Gymshark’s annual revenue is estimated at over $500 million AUD and continues to grow year after year.
Where is Gymshark headquarters located?
Gymshark’s headquarters is in Solihull, England, near Birmingham.
Has Ben Francis won any awards?
Yes, Ben Francis has been recognized on Forbes 30 Under 30 lists and received multiple entrepreneurship awards in the UK.
