Planet Fitness, Inc. announced that Steve Beard, Esquire, chairman and chief executive officer of healthcare educator Covista, Inc., formerly Adtalem Global Education Inc., has joined its Board of Directors, effective immediately.
Beard’s appointment brings the Planet Fitness Board of Directors to nine directors.
During his tenure with Covista, Beard has “spearheaded key strategic and operational improvements, including its transformation to focus exclusively on healthcare education. His efforts have yielded total student enrollment growth, accelerating organic growth across the enterprise,” noted Planet Fitness in a media release.
Planet Fitness said as of today, February 9, Covista reports it is “America’s largest healthcare educator, operating five accredited institutions serving more than 97,000 students and 385,000 alumni, from physicians and nurses to veterinarians and behavioral health professionals.”
Beard was also recently named to the 2025 TIME100 Health list, recognizing him as “one of the most influential people shaping global health.”
Prior to his current role, Beard previously served as the company’s chief operating officer and general counsel. Beard also spent over a decade at executive search firm Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.
Stephen Spinelli, Jr., Ph. D., chairman of the Board of Directors, stated, “Steve’s appointment demonstrates our commitment to continually enhancing the strength and effectiveness of the Board of Directors with new perspectives and complementary expertise. With his proven track record of leading and growing high-performing public companies, I am confident that Steve’s insights will help to drive the continued success of the brand and deliver value for our shareholders.”
“As a new independent director of our Board of Directors, Steve brings a wealth of broad expertise across several areas, including healthcare, strategy, talent acquisition and development, corporate governance and mergers and acquisitions. All will be incredibly valuable in driving sustainable growth,” said Colleen Keating, chief executive officer. “We are thrilled to welcome him at a time when health and wellness is more top of mind than ever before, and Planet Fitness continues to be well-positioned as a leader in the fitness category.”
“Planet Fitness’ mission to make fitness and wellbeing within reach for all deeply resonates with me, and I’ve long admired its unparalleled leadership position in the industry,” said Beard. “I look forward to leveraging my expertise to support the brand as it executes its strategy and unlocks value creation opportunities ahead.”
Images courtesy Planet Fitness
