Board of Directors
John Treharne
Chair of the Board
John founded The Gym Group in 2007 and has over 20 years’ experience in the health and fitness industry.
John launched Dragons Health Club plc in 1991, before its flotation on AIM in 1997 and sale to Crown Sports plc in 2000.
Will Orr
Chief Executive Officer
Will Orr is the Chief Executive Officer and joined us in September 2023. Will was formerly MD of Times Media Limited, publisher of the Times and Sunday Times, and previously held Managing Director roles for RAC and British Gas (Centrica Plc).
Will brings significant experience developing and delivering sustainable customer growth strategies (including pricing, proposition, digital marketing and retention strategies) as well as operational expertise in ‘people intensive’ business where customer experience is critical. Will is a Fellow of the Marketing Society and has an MBA from London University.
Luke Tait
Chief Financial Officer
Ann-marie Murphy
Chief Operating Officer
Ann-marie joined the Company in April 2018 as Director of People and Development and was appointed as Chief People Officer in January 2021. Ann-marie was subsequently appointed as Chief Operating Officer in February 2022.
Ann-marie has held over 15 years experience across a variety of senior Human Resources roles, particularly in the travel and retail industries. Prior to joining the Gym Group, Ann-marie was Group Human Resources Director at New Look Retailers.
Emma Woods
Senior Independent Non-Executive Director
Emma has wide-ranging marketing experience within the FMCG and leisure sector.
Emma is the non-executive Chair of Tortilla Mexican Grill plc and a Non-Executive Director of Great Portland Estates plc.
Emma was the former CEO of Wagamama and previously held Marketing Director roles at Merlin Entertainments plc, Pizza Express and Unilever.
Elaine O’Donnell
Non-Executive Director
Elaine is a highly experienced financial professional and Audit Chair. She is Chair of the Audit Committee and Non-Executive Director of On the Beach Group Plc, and Chair of the Audit & Risk Committee and Non-Executive Director of SThree plc. She was formerly a Non-Executive Director of Studio Retail Group PLC. Elaine was previously a Partner at Ernst & Young and is a Chartered Accountant.
Wais Shaifta
Non-Executive Director
Wais has gathered substantial e-commerce expertise from a number of leading online businesses. As the former CEO at Push Doctor, one of the leading digital healthcare companies in Europe, Wais worked in partnership with the NHS to connect thousands of patients each week with clinicians. Before joining Push Doctor, Wais was Director of Global Operations at Treatwell, and prior to that was International Operations Director at Just Eat.
Richard Stables
Non-Executive Director
Richard is an experienced corporate financier, having spent 32 years at Lazard. Currently Richard is a Partner at Fulcrum Advisory Partners LLP, an independent advisory firm, and a Senior Advisor to Blantyre Capital. Richard is a qualified Chartered Accountant.
Simon Jones
Non-Executive Director
Simon is Managing Director for Premier Inn and Restaurants, UK and Global Commercial Director at Whitbread, and has led the UK business for Premier Inn and Whitbread’s portfolio of restaurant brands since 2016.
Prior to his current role, Simon was Marketing and Strategy Director for Premier Inn, with accountability for driving the commercial and marketing agenda for the brand. Before joining Whitbread in 2012, Simon had over 15 years’ experience as a strategy consultant, working with a variety of clients across the retail and hospitality industry, latterly as a partner at OC&C Strategy Consultants.