24 Hour Fitness announced it appointed Karl Sanft as president and CEO. For the past three years, Sanft has worked at the company as chief operating officer overseeing its nationwide network of clubs.

As COO, Sanft piloted the company’s successful approach to a personalized membership pricing structure; spearheaded the return of 24/7 club operations for the majority of its club members nationwide; developed new concepts, including MODUS small group training, HIIT+mindfulness programming, P.A.S.E. Factor; and formed industry partnerships, including Nutrishop and iCRYO.

“After a strategic review of our company’s revitalized business proposition, we concluded that Karl is the best leader to take the company into the future of fitness,” said Michael Barnett, board of directors, 24 Hour Fitness. “His diverse background in the retail services industry, along with his extensive familiarity with the 24 Hour Fitness brand—as a club member since 1993 and as a vital member of the company’s executive leadership team for the past three years—has resulted in his keen understanding of the member experience and the creation of strong relationships both inside and outside the industry and has earned the respect and support of our nationwide team of fitness professionals. These valuable perspectives will help shape the future of 24 Hour Fitness as well as the post-pandemic recovery of the fitness industry.”