The fitness franchisor is boosting its leadership team.
Planet Fitness, one of the largest fitness franchises with 2,086 locations across multiple domestic and international markets, is adding two new members to its board of directors to boost business development and franchising prowess.
Bernard Acoca, chief executive officer and president of El Pollo Loco, and Christopher Tanco, executive vice president and chief operating officer for 7-Eleven, will join the board, effective immediately.
“We are pleased to welcome Bernard and Chris as new independent directors to the Planet Fitness Board,” said Chris Rondeau, chief executive officer. “They join Planet Fitness at a pivotal time in the business and complement our existing board of director’s skills and expertise. Together they bring decades of leadership experience in key areas, including international and domestic operations, franchising, brand development, and leveraging digital to enhance the customer experience, which will be vital to our long-term strategy to bring non-intimidating, affordable, high-quality fitness to first time and casual gym goers.”
Before joining El Pollo Loco, Bernard Acoca spent seven years at Starbucks Corporation as president of Teavana, Starbucks’ global tea brand. He also served as senior vice president, marketing & category for the Americas, Starbucks’ largest division, where he was responsible for managing categories totalling $9bn in sales.
“I’ve long admired the Planet Fitness brand and how it revolutionized the fitness landscape as we know it today,” said Acoca. “The company is well-positioned to capitalize on both industry and consumer trends and I look forward to joining the Board at such an exciting time in its history.”
As the COO of 7-Eleven, Christopher Tanco leads franchise and corporate operations for 15,000 stores, the company’s digital initiatives, restaurant expansion, operations support, field merchandising and sales, store of the future, fuels, and the Canada business unit. Before joining 7-Eleven, he was the chief franchise officer for Pizza Hut.
“Planet Fitness is a market leader, with a nationally recognized brand, and a highly attractive franchise system and model that is built for long-term growth,” said Tanco. “I am excited to work with the Board and leadership team to leverage my experience and insights and help execute against the many future, value-creating opportunities that lay ahead for the brand.”
“Today’s appointments reflect our ongoing commitment to strengthening our board with a variety of viewpoints and expertise,” said Stephen Spinelli, Jr. (Ph. D.), chairman of the board. “We look forward to gaining valuable insights and perspectives from Bernard and Chris, given their impressive backgrounds, and are confident they are well-suited to join our board and oversee Planet Fitness’ future growth, the many opportunities that lie ahead for our brand, and drive meaningful value for our shareholders.”
