#USA #Planet Fitness #Milford #Joe Pepe #IGNITE Fitness

IGNITE Fitness Holdings Welcomes Joe Pepe, Jr. as New CEO

On October 10, 2025, IGNITE Fitness Holdings, a prominent developer and operator of fitness clubs, announced the appointment of Joe Pepe, Jr. as its new Chief Executive Officer. Pepe, an integral part of the Planet Fitness brand for over 18 years, had previously served as the Chief Operating Officer of IGNITE since 2019.

A Record of Excellence

Since his arrival at IGNITE, the company has experienced remarkable growth, expanding from 15 to 134 Planet Fitness locations across the United States and Canada. This substantial increase reflects Pepe’s leadership and strategic vision, which have been crucial in establishing a culture of operational excellence within the organization. The company has also laid plans for five additional openings by the end of 2025, showcasing its ambition and commitment to growth.

Pepe's dedicationto innovation extends beyond operations; he also chairs the Member Experience Committee of the Planet Fitness Independent Franchisee Council. In this role, he actively collaborates with franchisees and the Club Support Center to enhance the member experience across the network.

Board's Confidence

Cathy Stauffer, Chair of the Board at IGNITE Fitness Holdings, expressed her enthusiasm over Pepe’s promotion. “Joe's track record of operational excellence and his profound understanding of the Planet Fitness ethos make him the ideal leader for IGNITE as we look toward our next phase of growth and success,” she stated. This confidence in Pepe signals a positive shift for the company as it navigates the competitive fitness landscape.

A Vision for the Future

In response to his new role, Joe Pepe, Jr. remarked, "I am deeply honored to take on this responsibility and continue building on IGNITE's strong foundation. The passion of our team, committed to helping our members lead healthier lives, fuels my inspiration every day. Together, we will innovate and expand to reach even more communities across North America."

Pepe's appointment comes as former CEO Ryan Berk steps down to explore other opportunities after serving since February 2022. Berk's leadership helped oversee a transformative period for IGNITE, strengthening its leadership team and enhancing the partnership with Planet Fitness.

A Commitment to Health and Community

IGNITE Fitness Holdings is dedicated to offering high-quality fitness experiences in a welcoming, non-judgmental atmosphere. With plans to expand further, the company aims to help an increasing number of people live healthier lives across diverse communities.

As Joe Pepe, Jr. takes the reins, stakeholders are optimistic about IGNITE's trajectory and its continued commitment to fostering healthier lifestyles for its members. His experience and dedication to the fitness industry signal exciting times ahead for IGNITE Fitness Holdings.