Omnichannel fitness company Pvolve expanded its leadership hiring Stacey Heald as chief operating officer of franchise development and Alexis McDowel as its first global VP of communications.
As COO, Heald oversees franchise strategy, operations and P&L. Other focus areas include “fueling franchise expansion, improving operations, implementing efficiencies, establishing key performance metrics and business targets while managing budgets, and implementing cost control measures for sustainable growth.”
“Pvolve’s unique franchise business stood out to me with its multi-revenue stream business model, proprietary equipment, and hybrid class experiences,” said Heald. “This role provides an exciting canvas to leverage my experience in healthcare and the franchise industry to optimize and grow an already successful franchise business. I believe in the method and look forward to working with the rest of the leadership team to continue Pvolve’s growth, further its commitment to wellness, and positively impact our members.”
Pvolve reported that Heald is a senior operations executive with over 20 years of experience in the health and wellness sector and 15-plus years in corporate unit operations and the franchise industry. Before Pvolve, she was the EVP of Medi-Weightloss Franchising and the co-founder and COO of LeHeal Biogenix, a multi-site brand specializing in regenerative medicine. Heald has experience in “financial management, daily operations, business development, emerging market growth, and process improvement.”
As Pvolves Global VP of Communications, Alexis McDowel, brings over two decades of strategic communications experience across various industries, including gaming, health and fitness technology to the role. McDowel leads the company’s global communications and public relations efforts.
“After working at the intersection of health and technology for over a decade, including a global pandemic that saw the entire industry change at lightning speed, everyone is wondering what’s next,” said McDowel. “Pvolve’s clinically-backed workouts, made by women for women, and omni-channel approach of meeting consumers where they are, embody elements we’ve seen consumers gravitate towards. I am excited to build awareness for this important brand alongside a dynamic and dedicated team.”
Most recently, McDowel was the VP of communications at Ōura, where she led global PR for product, partners, ambassadors, health experts, research as well as corporate, executive, and internal communications. At Ōura, she reportedly led the PR team to “effectively break the brand into the mainstream media with 3,500 earned media stories in three years.” Her experience includes leading global campaigns and teams at Electronic Arts, Fitbit, Unity Technologies and LucasArts.
“At Pvolve, our success is all about the dedication of our fantastic leadership and team,” said Katzman. “Now, with experienced leaders like Stacey Heald to steer the franchise business and Alexis McDowel to elevate awareness through PR, we’re gearing up for even more growth. I can’t wait to see the milestones we’ll achieve together.”
Pvolve was awarded 28 franchise licenses in 2023, increasing the total number of franchise locations to 40. It opened five new studios in San Diego and Carlsbad, CA; Nashville, TN; Victoria, BC; and Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Images courtesy Pvolve
