ORANGE, Conn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–ECP-PF Holdings Group, Inc., one of the largest developers and operators of fitness clubs under the Planet Fitness brand, today announced the appointment of Ryan Berk as Chief Executive Officer, effective February 22, 2022. Mr. Berk will also join the Company’s Board of Directors. Current CEO David Humphrey will transition to the role of Vice Chairman.
Mr. Berk brings over 20 years of executive and operational experience in multi-unit investments in Health, Wellness, Fitness and Retail. Most recently, Mr. Berk served as President of Field Operations at Ideal Image – the leading multi-unit aesthetics brand in North America – where he was responsible for all of operations and, most recently, driving business development efforts. Previously, Mr. Berk served as Senior Vice President, Club Operations at Life Time Fitness where he was also President of the LifeSpa and Life Time Tennis Brands. He also recently served on the Board of Directors of CDM Holdings, a leading Planet Fitness franchisee with 53 locations in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New Hampshire.
“Ryan is an extremely well-rounded leader with significant experience overseeing multi-unit investments, operating efficiently at scale and delivering exceptional customer experiences,” said Cathy Stauffer, Chair of the Board of ECP-PF. “A people-centric collaborator with a growth mindset and a passion for the health and fitness industry, Ryan will work closely with ECP-PF’s leadership team to build on the tremendous success the company has achieved over the last several years.”
Mr. Berk said, “Planet Fitness is one of the largest and fastest-growing fitness brands in North America and beyond, and its mission of enhancing people’s lives by providing a high-quality fitness experience in a welcoming environment provides a tremendous platform to help make fitness fun and accessible to everyone. The leadership team at ECP-PF has built one of the top franchisees in the Planet Fitness family, and I am humbled to be joining their team and excited for our next chapter of dramatic growth.”
David Humphrey, who has served as CEO since 2016, will continue to lead Government Relations activities and support development in Canada in his new role as Vice Chairman. The transition allows Mr. Humphrey more time for family and personal pursuits, and for his work with the International Franchise Association.
“I’m proud of the growth our team has achieved together and pleased to continue to support Ryan, the Board and the rest of the ECP-PF leadership as they move the business forward,” said Mr. Humphrey.
Michael Recht, Managing Director at TowerBrook Capital Partners (ECP-PF’s lead investor) added, “On behalf of TowerBrook and the Board, I would like to both welcome Ryan to the team and thank David for his tremendous leadership over the last six years. We are looking forward to continuing our partnership with both executives.”
About ECP-PF Holdings Group, Inc.
ECP-PF Holdings Group is based in Orange, CT. It is one of the largest Planet Fitness franchisees, currently operating 112 locations across Connecticut, New York, New Mexico, Arizona, Tennessee, Georgia, Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan.
About TowerBrook
TowerBrook Capital Partners is a purpose-driven, transatlantic investment firm that works to grow and improve large and middle-market businesses by partnering with management teams and employees to build excellent companies that make a positive impact on society. Since inception in 2001, TowerBrook has raised a total of $18.7 billion and invested in more than 85 companies on both sides of the Atlantic. TowerBrook operates as a single, unified team of experienced investment professionals focused on unlocking value in complex situations. The firm’s highly synergistic family of funds make control and non-control investments across the capital structure, providing capital and resources to transform the capabilities and prospects of its portfolio companies.
As a disciplined investor with a commitment to fundamental value, TowerBrook seeks to deliver superior, risk-adjusted returns to investors on a consistent and responsible basis. TowerBrook is the first mainstream private equity firm to be certified as a B Corporation. B Corporation certification is administered by the non-profit B Lab organization and is awarded to companies that demonstrate leadership in their commitment to environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards and responsible business practices.
For more information, please visit www.towerbrook.com
