Crunch Fitness Welcomes John D'Anna as Chief Development Officer
Crunch Fitness, recognized for its innovative approach to fitness, has just taken a significant step in its growth strategy by appointing
John A. D'Anna as its new
Chief Development Officer effective January 21, 2025. This key appointment is expected to bolster the company’s ongoing efforts in real estate development, franchise growth, and the expansion of its unique fitness offerings.
John D'Anna has been a vital part of Crunch’s leadership team since 2024, serving as the Senior Vice President of Real Estate. During his tenure, he successfully directed the company’s real estate and construction teams, facilitating a remarkable 41% increase in signed leases year-over-year. D'Anna's robust expertise positions him well to take on the CDO role, where he will be tasked with overseeing various teams focused on real estate strategy, construction, and franchise development.
With nearly three decades of experience in real estate development and franchise relations, D'Anna brings invaluable insights and a strategic mindset to Crunch. Prior to joining the gym chain, he held senior leadership roles at
Axios Equities and
McDonald's, where he was instrumental in acquiring, developing, and managing commercial real estate across the United States.
His track record doesn't just stop at development; D'Anna is also renowned for his proficiency in talent management. He has a knack for recruiting high-performing teams and fostering a positive culture within organizations. His success hinges on strong alliances with franchisees, real estate developers, and key retailers, maintaining a consistent focus on stakeholder value creation.
Commenting on D'Anna’s appointment,
Chequan Lewis, President of Crunch Fitness, stated, "John's extensive background in real estate and his proven ability to execute large-scale development strategies make him an exceptional addition to our executive team. His vision and expertise are vital as we expand the Crunch brand and share our unique fitness experience with more communities worldwide."
Expressing his excitement for the new role, D'Anna stated, "I'm thrilled to step into the role of Chief Development Officer at Crunch Fitness during such an exciting time in our journey. Crunch has built an incredible brand that resonates with individuals of all fitness levels, and I look forward to helping expand its presence and reach."
He emphasized that collaboration will be key, highlighting the importance of working alongside franchisees, developers, and brokers to ensure that Crunch continues to deliver exceptional experiences for its members. Additionally, D'Anna is committed to achieving the company's growth ambitions, enhancing its reach, and maintaining the high level of service that Crunch is known for.
Moreover, Crunch Fitness recently earned accolades in the fitness industry by being ranked #1 in the fitness category and #32 overall in the
Entrepreneur Franchise 500® list - known as the most comprehensive franchise ranking globally. This recognition underscores the gym's successful expansion and innovative approach to fitness.
Crunch is not just another gym; it stands out for its mission to make serious exercise fun, combining fitness with entertainment and promoting a philosophy of 'No Judgments.' Serving over three million members, the gym operates more than 500 locations globally, across 41 states and several countries including
Australia, Canada, Costa Rica, Portugal, Puerto Rico, and
Spain.
As it continues to grow, Crunch Fitness remains committed to providing its members with unique group fitness classes and diverse programming tailored to a variety of fitness goals. The leadership transition led by John D'Anna is poised to enhance these offerings, ensuring that Crunch remains at the forefront of the fitness industry.
For additional details about Crunch Fitness and its upcoming initiatives, visit
www.crunch.com.